Director of Operations (m / f / x)

Confidential Jobs; Köln; Vor Ort; EUR 80.000 - 100.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading manufacturing firm in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany is seeking an experienced operations executive to lead and develop their operational functions. This role involves strategic planning and hands-on leadership across production, logistics, and procurement. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in customized technical manufacturing and a successful track record of improving performance metrics. Proficiency in ERP systems, especially SAP, and fluency in English and German are essential.

Qualifikationen

• Academic background in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline; business-focused qualifications are a strong asset.
• Proven leadership experience in operations or plant management within a technical or engineering-to-order manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain structures, industrial project execution, and batch production processes.
• Hands-on expertise with ERP systems, ideally SAP, with a focus on optimization and operational visibility.
• Decisive, analytical thinker with strong execution focus and team leadership skills.
• Capable of driving transformation in a dynamic, international context.
• Fluent in English and German, with strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Aufgaben

• Lead all operational site activities, including manufacturing, materials management, and supply chain execution.
• Oversee day-to-day production and operational output, implementing sustainable improvements.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to optimize throughput and reduce lead times.
• Collaborate with project and engineering teams for smooth integration of customer-specific requirements.
• Standardize procedures and promote a culture of accountability and safety across departments.
• Build and retain a high-performing team, supporting talent development.
• Identify and implement process improvements balancing cost-effectiveness with customer expectations.

Jobbeschreibung

We are seeking an experienced operations executive to lead and develop the operational functions of a key European manufacturing site. This role combines strategic planning and hands‑on leadership across production, logistics, procurement, and project interfacing. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in customized technical manufacturing environments and a track record of driving continuous improvement across KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all operational site activities, including manufacturing, materials management, and supply chain execution, ensuring alignment with business performance goals.
• Oversee day‑to‑day production and operational output, while implementing sustainable improvements across quality, delivery reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to optimize throughput, reduce lead times, and manage inventory in line with broader organizational initiatives.
• Collaborate with project and engineering teams to ensure smooth integration of customer‑specific requirements into operational processes.
• Standardize procedures, foster cross‑functional consistency, and promote a culture of accountability and safety across departments.
• Build and retain a high‑performing team, supporting talent development and succession within critical operational roles.
• Identify and implement process improvements, balancing cost‑effectiveness with customer expectations and product complexity.

Your Profile

• Academic background in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline; business‑focused qualifications are a strong asset.
• Proven leadership experience in operations or plant management within a technical or engineering‑to‑order manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain structures, industrial project execution, and batch production processes.
• Hands‑on expertise with ERP systems, ideally SAP, with a focus on optimization and operational visibility.
• Decisive, analytical thinker with strong execution focus and team leadership skills.
• Capable of driving transformation in a dynamic, international context.
• Fluent in English and German, with strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.