Project Manager - Support to the Head of Supply Chain Logistics & Production Planning (f/m/x)

ZEISS; Oberkochen; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology in Germany is seeking an experienced professional to shape strategic supply chain planning across logistics and production. You'll partner with area leadership to define initiatives and align cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes transformation, digital tools, and measurable impact, with fluency in German and English, and a track record of delivering complex projects in industrial settings.

Qualifications

• Several years of cross-functional project leadership in supply chain or production planning.
• Strong communication across hierarchical levels and stakeholder management.
• Solid SAP/MES knowledge and process optimization experience.
• Analytical, structured thinking with Lean/Six Sigma experience.
• Fluent German and English; entrepreneurial mindset.

Responsibilities

• Support area leadership in the development, structuring, and implementation of strategic initiatives in Supply Chain Logistics and Operations Planning.
• Independent management of strategic, cross-functional projects; leading interdisciplinary teams from problem statement to implementation.
• Analysis of complex operational/strategic questions; development of robust decision options; preparation of management and decision papers.
• Support the departments in achieving area goals; drive strategic priorities in collaboration with those responsible.
• Design of transformation and change processes; ensure measurable operational impact from concepts.
• Preparation, moderation, and consistent tracking of steering committees, strategy meetings, and management workshops.
• Promotion of cross-functional experience and best-practice exchange; identification of synergies in logistics and planning; impulses for digitization, automation, and operational excellence.
• Coordination of external consultants, service providers, and internal service units; sparring partner to the area leadership; taking on increasing responsibility for strategically relevant topics.

Skills

Strategic project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean Six Sigma

SAP & MES knowledge

Data-driven decision making

Education

Technical degree (e.g., mechanical engineering / Industrial Engineering)

Tools

SAP

MES

ERP systems

Job description

ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology

Enabler of smaller, more powerful and more energy-efficient microchips

Working where tomorrow is created.

What is the one component no smartphone can do without? Exactly - the microchip, the heart of every electronically controlled system. Around 80 percent of all microchips worldwide are manufactured using ZEISS technologies. ZEISS is a technology leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. With ultra-precise lithography optics, photomask systems and process control solutions, ZEISS enables the production of ever smaller, more powerful and more energy-efficient microchips - and, through its innovations, plays a key role in shaping the age of micro- and nanoelectronics.

About us

The SMT-OL area is responsible for the strategic, tactical, and operational planning of machines, personnel, and production materials as well as the operational material flow. We think in holistic solutions with end-to-end, standardized, digital, transparent processes to ensure on-time SMT supply and customer delivery. By combining visionary end-to-end planning with AI-assisted tools, we proactively make data-driven decisions and secure long-term competitive advantages. Under strict use of SAP-centered tools, we create consistency, efficiency, and governance across the entire value chain.

In this function you will support the area leadership in the strategic further development of the area, manage cross-functional topics, and create transparency for informed decisions at the management level.

Your role

• Support the area leadership in the development, structuring, and implementation of strategic initiatives in Supply Chain Logistics and Operations Planning.
• Independent management of strategic, cross-functional projects; leading interdisciplinary teams from problem statement to implementation.
• Analysis of complex operational/strategic questions; development of robust decision options; preparation of management and decision papers.
• Support the departments in achieving area goals; drive strategic priorities in collaboration with those responsible.
• Design of transformation and change processes; ensure measurable operational impact from concepts.
• Preparation, moderation, and consistent tracking of steering committees, strategy meetings, and management workshops.
• Promotion of cross-functional experience and best-practice exchange; identification of synergies in logistics and planning; impulses for digitization, automation, and operational excellence.
• Coordination of external consultants, service providers, and internal service units; sparring partner to the area leadership; taking on increasing responsibility for strategically relevant topics.

Your profile

• With a successfully completed technical degree (e.g., mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering) or a science-based university degree, you have solid foundations as well as a solution-oriented mindset.
• You bring several years of experience, ideally 5+ years, in strategic or cross-functional projects in supply chain, logistics, production planning, operations, or value stream optimization, and you deliver measurable results.
• Independent management of complex projects as well as leadership of interdisciplinary teams are part of your profile; your communication and moderation skills across hierarchical levels set you apart.
• A deep understanding of industrial production and supply chain processes, as well as solid knowledge in production control, SAP, MES, and relevant IT systems, complement your profile.
• Your methodological competence in Lean Management, KVP, Six Sigma, or comparable Operational Excellence approaches is strongly developed; your analytical, structured working style supports you in addressing complex questions.
• You also work agile, flexible, and show pronounced resilience.

Entrepreneurial thinking, high initiative, and a will to implement; you shape changes sustainably and adapt your approach to changing conditions. You possess fluent German and English skills and work goal-oriented with high social skills toward common goals, ideally bringing a relevant additional qualification (e.g., MBA) or consulting experience.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Simone Kundler, Werner Baldauf