Head of Manufacturing Operations (m/w/d)

Arethia; Reinbek; Hybrid; EUR 120.000 - 180.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Flexible working hours

30 days paid vacation

Monthly allowance for BAV

Subsidized lunch

Company events

Zusammenfassung

A prominent company in the flavour industry is seeking a Head of Manufacturing Operations to ensure high standards of quality and efficiency. The successful candidate will lead a production team and manage factory operations while implementing lean methodologies. Required qualifications include a degree in a relevant field and 7+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership. The role offers flexible working hours, home office options, and attractive employee benefits.

Qualifikationen

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership.
• Knowledge of GMP, food safety, and batch traceability.
• Fluent in English and German.
• Fluent in English and German.

Aufgaben

• Lead and develop the operational production team.
• Manage factory budgets and report performance.
• Implement lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Lead Production Planning & Execution with Supply Chain to ensure on-time delivery and optimal resource use.
• Maintain strong shopfloor presence to identify and solve issues quickly.
• Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to boost efficiency and reduce waste.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

GMP knowledge

Bilingual English/German

Ausbildung

Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations Management

Jobbeschreibung

Head of Manufacturing Operations (m/w/d)

We are looking for a Head of Manufacturing Operations to ensure that manufacturing processes deliver the highest standards of quality, efficiency, safety, and sustainability while supporting business growth and innovation. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with hands-on operational excellence and has a proven track record in scaling manufacturing capabilities in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and develop the operational production team (production planning, manufacturing, manufacturing logistics, warehousing).
• Build a high-performance culture centered on safety, quality, and accountability.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across shifts and departments.

Operations Management:

• Lead Production Planning & Execution in close collaboration with Supply Chain, ensuring on-time delivery and optimal resource utilization.
• Maintain a strong presence on the shopfloor, ensuring issues are identified and solved quickly.
• Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to boost efficiency and reduce waste.

Quality, Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Foster a strong EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) culture throughout the factory.
• Partner with Quality to maintain product integrity, batch traceability, and GMP standards.

Financial & Business Impact:

• Manage factory budgets and deliver on cost efficiency targets.
• Provide performance reporting and insights to senior management.
• Support strategic initiatives such as new product industrialization, capacity expansions, or technology upgrades.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing (food, flavor, chemical, or process industry preferred).
• Proven track record in running factory operations, including production, maintenance, and EHS.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and change management.
• Experience with GMP, food safety, allergen control, and batch traceability is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent in English and German.

Why you'll love working here:

• Exciting tasks in an internationally operating, growing family business with flat hierarchies
• Flexible working hours and home office options
• 4 weeks remote work from other EU countries
• 30 days paid vacation per year
• Salary bands for a fair corporate culture
• Monthly allowance of €50 for your BAV
• Annual 360° feedback loops with clear promotion criteria and an individual career path
• Responsibility from day one in a company that encourages personal responsibility and growth
• Relocation costs can be reimbursed on a pro rata basis
• Regular company events such as summer party, Christmas party
• Paid team dinners or activities for each team twice a year
• Free parking right outside the door
• Perks and benefits: JobRad, subsidized lunch, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket, free language courses and discounted memberships at several gyms and for the Wellpass
• Fresh fruit, free drinks and snacks in the office

About us:

At Arethia, we fuse our long-standing reputation with a continual push for progress. A rapidly expanding player in the flavour industry, Arethia specialises in delivering innovative taste solutions and co-creating products that consumers love. For more than 70 years, Arethia has been known for its close collaboration with customers and the highest quality standards. With over 250 employees spread across Germany, Switzerland, Dubai, and Indonesia, we aim to shape the future of flavours with a culture that values agility, transparency, and talent.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.