Industrialization Project Lead - Site Ramp-Up India (f/m/x)

ZEISS Group; Oberkochen; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS Group in Oberkochen seeks a senior operations leader to establish and ramp up a new production site. You will manage site readiness, equipment commissioning, and stable series production, coordinating cross-functional teams across Operations, Quality, Engineering, IT, and HR to ensure a compliant and efficient launch.

The role requires extensive production ramp-up experience, preferably with international sites, and strong expertise in regulated manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in operational, shopfloor-related projects.
• Experience establishing, relocating, or ramping up international production sites.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (ISO 13485, MDR, FDA) is a plus.
• Fluent English; willingness to spend time at ramp-up location; German/Kannada an advantage.
• Based in India or willing to move to India during the project.
• High willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Own the operational ramp-up plan for the site from construction to start of series production.
• Translate program milestones into actionable workstreams and site-level schedules.
• Lead and coordinate Operations, Quality, Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, and HR.
• Ensure transfer of manufacturing processes and documentation.
• Plan and oversee commissioning, installation, and process qualification activities.
• Identify schedule, capacity, and budget risks and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Operations

Shopfloor experience

Global ramp-up

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Seeing beyond - future of medical technology

For more than 100 years, ZEISS medical technology has been driving progress in ophthalmology and microsurgery. In ophthalmology, our solutions help to maintain and improve people’s vision at every stage of their lives. In microsurgery, our solutions enable targeted interventions on diseased tissue so that small and sensitive organs continue to function optimally. Medical technology from ZEISS supports medical professionals in improving the lives of patients worldwide. The fact that our actions have a direct impact on people’s well-being is what drives us every day.

Take on a key role in establishing and successfully ramping up a new production site. From site readiness and equipment commissioning through to stable series production, you will lead the on-site operational activities and create the conditions for sustainable growth in a regulated environment.

Your Ro le

• Own the operational ramp-up plan for the site, from building fit-out and equipment installation through qualification to the start of series production
• Translate overarching program milestones into actionable workstreams, clear responsibilities, and robust site-level schedules
• Lead and coordinate all contributing functions, including Operations, Quality, Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, and HR
• Ensure the structured transfer of manufacturing processes, production know-how, and relevant process and product documentation
• Plan and oversee commissioning, installation, operational, and process qualification activities in close collaboration with Engineering and Quality
• Identify schedule, capacity, and budget risks early; drive appropriate corrective actions and expedite cross-site decisions where needed

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Natural Sciences, Business Administration, or a comparable field
• Extensive professional experience—ideally at least ten years—including proven leadership experience in operational, shopfloor-related project roles
• Demonstrated experience in establishing, relocating, or ramping up international production sites, preferably in greenfield or brownfield projects
• Strong understanding of production ramp-ups, from equipment commissioning and process qualification to the stabilization of series production
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments, such as ISO 13485, MDR, or FDA; knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or project-management certifications is a plus
• Fluent English and willingness to spend regular and increasing time at the ramp-up location; German and/or Kannada language skills are an advantage
• Based in India or willingness to move to India during the time of the project.
• High willingness to travel

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Norman Funk