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

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

Job summary

ZEISS is seeking an experienced program leader to drive the end-to-end ramp-up of a new production site in a globally regulated manufacturing environment. You will translate strategic objectives into executable roadmaps, coordinating Engineering, Operations, Quality, IT, Regulatory Affairs, HR, Finance and Procurement, ensuring a smooth transition from existing sites.

You bring 10+ years of leadership in manufacturing programs, strong cross-functional collaboration, and familiarity with ISO

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Natural Sciences, Business Administration, or a comparable field.
• At least 10 years of leadership experience in operational, shopfloor-related project or program roles.
• Experience establishing or relocating international manufacturing sites (greenfield/brownfield).
• Hands-on ramp-up experience: equipment commissioning, process qualification, validation, and production stabilization.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in regulated manufacturing; familiarity with ISO 13485, MDR, FDA quality systems, Lean/Six Sigma.

Responsibilities

• Own and steer the end-to-end program roadmap with milestones and deliverables.
• Lead the integrated ramp-up of a new production site with cross-functional coordination.
• Manage the transition of manufacturing activities from existing global sites to ensure continuity of supply.
• Establish program governance with steering committees, clear RACI, and escalation paths.
• Drive progress on infrastructure, equipment commissioning, validation, and regulatory registrations.
• Monitor budget, risks, dependencies, and key decisions; report to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory quality systems

English fluency

Mobility international

Education

Engineering/Industrial Engineering/Natural Sciences/Business Administration or equivalent

10+ years leadership in manufacturing projects/programs

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.

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 Role

• Own and continuously steer the end-to-end program roadmap, translating strategic objectives into executable plans, milestones, and deliverables
• Lead 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 Procurement
• Manage the transition of manufacturing activities from existing global sites while minimizing operational disruption and ensuring continuity of supply
• Establish effective program governance, including steering committees, cross-functional routines, clear RACI structures, decision-making processes, and transparent escalation paths
• Drive integrated progress on infrastructure, equipment commissioning, capability building, legal-entity setup, production licenses, and regulatory registrations
• Monitor program budget, risks, dependencies, and key decisions; initiate corrective actions and provide transparent reporting to senior stakeholders

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 or program roles
• Demonstrated experience in international manufacturing site establishment, relocation, or transfer projects, preferably in greenfield or brownfield environments
• Hands-on expertise in manufacturing ramp-ups, covering equipment commissioning, process qualification, validation, documentation, and the stabilization of series production
• Strong experience leading cross-functional teams in regulated manufacturing environments; familiarity with ISO 13485, MDR, FDA quality systems, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma is highly valued
• Fluent 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 advantage

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Norman Funk