Transfer Project Manager – Global Manufacturing Ramp-up (f/m/x)

ZEISS Group; Oberkochen; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS Group is seeking a senior leader to own and drive an end-to-end program roadmap for establishing and ramping up a new production site in a complex, international manufacturing setting. The role requires coordinating Engineering, Operations, Quality, IT, Regulatory, HR, Finance, and Procurement while maintaining supply continuity and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of leadership in regulated manufacturing environments, experience with site establishment or transfer

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Natural Sciences, Business Administration, or comparable field.
• Extensive leadership experience in operational or program roles, with international manufacturing site exposure.
• Experience in greenfield or brownfield site establishment and transfers.

Responsibilities

• Own and steer end-to-end program roadmap aligning with strategic objectives.
• Lead ramp-up of a new production site coordinating Engineering, Operations, Quality, IT, Regulatory, HR, Finance, and Procurement.
• Manage transitions from existing sites to minimize disruption and ensure supply continuity.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory compliance

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

ISO 13485

MDR/FDA quality

Equipment commissioning

Process validation

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering

Job description

Seeing beyond - future of medical technologyFor 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.Join us in shaping the future of medical technology by leading a complex, international manufacturing transformation. You will drive the establishment and ramp-up of a new production site while ensuring a smooth transition from existing global manufacturing locations – safeguarding supply continuity, quality, and regulatory compliance throughout.Your RoleOwn and continuously steer the end-to-end program roadmap, translating strategic objectives into executable plans, milestones, and deliverablesLead the integrated ramp-up of a new production site together with the Site Industrialization Project Lead, coordinating functions including Engineering, Operations, Quality, IT, Regulatory Affairs, HR, Finance, and ProcurementManage the transition of manufacturing activities from existing global sites while minimizing operational disruption and ensuring continuity of supplyEstablish effective program governance, including steering committees, cross-functional routines, clear RACI structures, decision-making processes, and transparent escalation pathsDrive integrated progress on infrastructure, equipment commissioning, capability building, legal-entity setup, production licenses, and regulatory registrationsMonitor program budget, risks, dependencies, and key decisions; initiate corrective actions and provide transparent reporting to senior stakeholdersYour ProfileBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Natural Sciences, Business Administration, or a comparable fieldExtensive professional experience—ideally at least ten years—including proven leadership experience in operational, shopfloor-related project or program rolesDemonstrated experience in international manufacturing site establishment, relocation, or transfer projects, preferably in greenfield or brownfield environmentsHands-on expertise in manufacturing ramp-ups, covering equipment commissioning, process qualification, validation, documentation, and the stabilization of series productionStrong experience leading cross-functional teams in regulated manufacturing environments; familiarity with ISO 13485, MDR, FDA quality systems, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma is highly valuedFluent English and willingness to work regularly—and increasingly—at the ramp-up location; German and/or Kannada language skills, international mobility, and flexibility across time zones are an advantageYour ZEISS Recruiting Team:Norman Funk