Plant Operations Manager

Confidential; Stuttgart; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm in Baden-Württemberg is looking for an experienced operational leader to enhance plant performance. You will oversee production and quality, implement efficiency strategies, and drive continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with local labor laws. The ideal candidate has a proven background in managing similar plants and strong leadership skills. This role promotes a culture of safety and high performance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a small to mid-sized plant of similar scale.
• Strong background in machining operations and automation of manual processes.
• Demonstrated success in implementing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience working with works councils and union representation.
• Decisive, action-oriented leader with a strong ownership mentality.
• Proactive and adaptable problem solver.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to operate in a global matrix organization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant operations including production and maintenance.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Lead initiatives to automate manual processes and integrate advanced machining.
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws and manage relationships with unions.
• Drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement programs.
• Collaborate within a global matrix organization to align plant objectives with corporate goals.
• Manage budgets, KPIs, and operational performance to meet financial and strategic targets.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and high-performance work environment.

Skills

Operational leadership

Lean manufacturing

Machining operations

Problem solving

Communication skills

Job description

We are seeking an experienced operational leader to manage and optimize the performance of a manufacturing plant. This role is critical in driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, and safety.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
• Lead initiatives to automate manual processes and integrate advanced machining operations.
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws and maintain effective relationships with works councils and union representatives.
• Drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement programs across the plant.
• Collaborate within a global matrix organization to align plant objectives with corporate goals.
• Manage budgets, KPIs, and operational performance to meet financial and strategic targets.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and high-performance work environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience managing a small to mid-sized plant of similar scale
• Strong background in machining operations and automation of manual processes.
• Demonstrated success in implementing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience working with works councils and union representation.
• Automotive industry experience preferred, but not mandatory.
• Decisive, action-oriented leader with a strong ownership mentality and a hands-on, driver mindset focused on delivering results.
• Proactive, adaptable problem solver with excellent personal communication skills, able to engage, influence, and align teams and stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to operate effectively within a global matrix organization.