Continuous Improvement and Value Stream Operations Manager (Automated Site)

Picnic Technologies; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 vacation days per year

Car lease option

Fresh meals and snacks at locations

Doenpensioen pension plan

Job summary

Picnic Technologies seeks a Continuous Improvement and Value Stream Operations Manager for its Dordrecht automated site. You will own the long-term performance of your value stream, leading multiple teams across shifts to deliver safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.

In a high-volume, automated environment, collaborate with site leadership to translate goals into daily action, develop operational leaders, and build a scalable operation that supports rapid growth.

Qualifications

• University degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years leadership experience, preferably in warehouse or automated operations.
• Hands-on experience in automated or semi-automated fulfilment environments.
• Lean and continuous improvement experience in complex operations.
• Comfortable managing high-volume, high-SKU workflows.
• Proven ability to lead teams of leaders and drive results.
• Strong analytical skills, with a high level of competence in data analysis tools such as Tableau and Excel.
• Willingness to occasionally step into operational shifts to stay close to the operation and support the team.
• Fluency in English and Dutch

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Ownership: Define strategy and drive improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Hands-on leadership: Coach supervisors to lead captain teams and meet targets.
• Data-Driven Process Optimization: Analyze workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead daily Kaizen and improvement initiatives.
• Operational Standards and Execution: Maintain a clean, safe environment; apply 5S and consistent standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with maintenance, engineering, planning, analysts, and last-mile teams.

Skills

Leadership

Automated operations

Lean & CI

Data analysis

Tableau

Excel

English & Dutch

Education

University degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Tableau

Excel

Job description

Continuous Improvement and Value Stream Operations Manager (Automated Site)

At Picnic, we run some of Europe’s most advanced automated grocery fulfilment centres, combining robotics, smart software, and a people-first culture. As a Continuous Improvement and Value Stream Operations Manager, you own a key part of the operation, leading multiple teams across shifts to deliver on safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. You work closely with the Site Manager and other Operations managers to turn site goals into daily action, develop strong operational leaders, and help build a high-performing, scalable operation.

Our site in Dordrecht operates at high volume with a team of around 500 colleagues, giving you the opportunity to lead in a complex, automated fulfilment environment.

What you’ll do

• End-to-End Ownership: Take full responsibility for the long-term performance and KPI roadmap of your value stream, defining strategy and driving structural improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Hands-on Leadership: Lead the value stream day to day, coaching supervisors to effectively lead their captain teams, strengthening indirect leadership while ensuring performance targets are met.
• Data-Driven Process Optimization: Analyze workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements that increase efficiency, flow, and reliability.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead daily Kaizen and improvement initiatives, embedding a culture of operational excellence and accountability.
• Operational Standards and Execution: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment, applying 5S principles and reinforcing consistent standards across your teams.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with maintenance, engineering, planning, analysts, and last-mile teams to ensure seamless end-to-end operations.

What you bring

• University degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years leadership experience, preferably in warehouse or automated operations
• Hands-on experience in automated or semi-automated fulfilment environments
• Lean and continuous improvement experience in complex operations
• Comfortable managing high-volume, high-SKU workflows
• Proven ability to lead teams of leaders and drive results
• Strong analytical skills, with a high level of competence in data analysis tools such as Tableau and Excel
• Willingness to occasionally step into operational shifts to stay close to the operation and support the team
• Fluency inEnglish and Dutch

Location Flexibility

Location Flexibility: We have automated sites throughout the Netherlands in the following locations; Utrecht, Dordrecht and Ridderkerk. During your application we will consider together which site makes most sense for you to begin your journey at Picnic. We are a fast-paced, growing company and due to this we require location flexibility from our Operations team.

Picnic perks

• You’ll receive a competitive compensation package, including 25 vacation days per year to recharge your batteries
• The option to lease a car
• You’ll get freshly prepared, healthy breakfast, lunches (and dinner at the FC) as well as delicious snacks and drinks available at all Picnic locations
• A flexible company pension plan called “Doenpensioen” at a.s.r.
• Picnic laptop and smartphone
• An awesome scale-up atmosphere with the freedom to drive your own projects and the opportunity to have an impact!
• The chance to work in an international environment with motivated team members & legendary company events
• Many internal learning and development possibilities as well as professional soft skill & leadership trainings at a specialized external party
• We have Fulfilment Centres across The Netherlands in the following locations: Utrecht, Ridderkerk, Berkel en Rodenrijs, Dordrecht, Eindhoven, Zwolle, Heerenveen, Geldermalsen

A bit about us

When you join Picnic, you’re joining the shopping revolution, delivering groceries to millions of people across Europe, and we’re growing fast. Think super fresh products and personal service but in a modern, sustainable way. The people in Supply Chain make it all work - from designing strategies and implementing improvements to ensuring smooth and safe daily operations. 18000 colleagues, hundreds of thousands of daily orders, and millions of loyal Picnic fans, ready to join the ride?

Recruitment Process

1. CV screening
2. Online test
3. Phone screening
4. Interviews
5. Assessment day
6. Closing interview
7. Offer

Commitment to equal opportunities

Picnic is an equal opportunity employer—this means that all decisions regarding applications will be based on qualifications and merit. Applicants will be regarded independently of age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, skin color, civil status, religious beliefs, physical or mental disability, or any other factors protected by law.
At Picnic, we celebrate and value our differences and are committed to building a safe and inclusive working environment where everyone can be themselves.

Our Mentality

At Picnic, we build from scratch with an owner’s mindset. We dive into the unknown, taking end-to-end responsibility for every outcome, going the extra mile to tackle complex challenges. We turn insights into action, working as a team to get things done. We move fast, never compromising on quality or long-term impact. With grit and commitment we build what has never been built before!