Vice President Operations

Hartmann Young; Essen; Vor Ort; EUR 120.000 - 180.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A global biotechnology leader is seeking a VP of Operations in Essen, Germany, to oversee the global operations strategy for enzyme and fermentation-based ingredients. The ideal candidate should have 12–18 years of experience in operations within the biotechnology sector, proven success in scaling production, and a strong technical background. Excellent collaboration and leadership skills are essential. This role involves regular international travel and a commitment to sustainability.

Qualifikationen

• 12–18 years’ experience in operations, manufacturing, or technical leadership within biotechnology, enzymes, fermentation, or food ingredients.
• Strong technical understanding of fermentation, bioprocessing, and downstream purification.
• Fluency in English required; German proficiency is a strong advantage.

Aufgaben

• Lead and implement the global operations strategy across enzyme manufacturing.
• Oversee production performance and process optimization initiatives.
• Manage end-to-end supply chain ensuring reliability and resilience.

Kenntnisse

Operations management

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Bioprocessing

Jobbeschreibung

Hartmann Young has been exclusively retained by a global biotechnology leader pioneering fermentation‑derived functional food ingredients and enzyme solutions.

A subsidiary of a major international food group, the company is recognised for its scientific excellence, operational efficiency, and commitment to sustainable innovation. With world‑class

R&D and manufacturing facilities across Europe and Asia, the business is now entering a significant new phase of global scale‑up, with Germany serving as a key base for operational and technological leadership.

This is a senior executive leadership position responsible for defining and executing the global operations strategy for the company’s enzyme and fermentation‑based ingredient portfolio.

As VP Operations, you will oversee the full operational value chain, from manufacturing and quality to supply chain and technical services, driving excellence, scalability, and sustainability across global sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the global operations strategy across enzyme manufacturing, fermentation, and ingredient production facilities.
• Oversee production performance, process optimisation, and capacity expansion initiatives across European and Asian sites.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement programs to enhance yield, efficiency, and cost competitiveness.
• Manage end‑to‑end supply chain, including procurement, logistics, and demand planning to ensure reliability and resilience.
• Ensure full compliance with global quality, regulatory, and food safety standards.
• Partner closely with R&D, Innovation, and Commercial teams to scale up new enzyme technologies from lab to industrial production.
• Champion sustainability, digitalisation, and automation initiatives across operations to support long‑term growth and ESG goals.
• Build, develop, and mentor high‑performing technical and operations teams across regions.
• Oversee CAPEX planning, manufacturing budgets, and strategic investment in facilities and equipment.

Candidate Profile

• 12–18 years’ experience in operations, manufacturing, or technical leadership within biotechnology, enzymes, fermentation, or food ingredients.
• Proven track record of scaling industrial biotech or enzyme production at regional or global level.
• Strong technical understanding of fermentation, bioprocessing, and downstream purification.
• Demonstrated expertise in operational excellence, lean manufacturing, or Six Sigma.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on leadership style and strong cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Experience in global matrix organisations and multicultural environments.
• Based in or open to relocation to Germany, with regular international travel.
• Fluency in English required; German proficiency is a strong advantage.