OPERATIONS MANAGER

Arbeidsplassen; Skien; Hybrid; NOK 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology company in Skien, Norway is seeking a Lead Operations Manager to drive operational excellence and innovation in their manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in engineering and proven leadership in manufacturing. This pivotal role involves managing a team of 400, focusing on continuous improvement and fostering a high-performance culture with attractive benefits including competitive salary and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive insurance and pension plans

Access to on-site fitness facilities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Strong communication skills in English.
• Collaborative, culturally aware, and open-minded.

Responsibilities

• Ensure operational excellence and drive innovation.
• Lead a team of 400 dedicated employees.
• Foster a culture of safety and high performance.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong communication skills

Customer-focused mindset

Ability to build high-performing teams

Education

University degree in engineering

Job description

Lead Operations in Skien — Power the Future with ABB

Amtmand Aalls gate 73, 3716 Skien, Hybridkontor

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Type of employment

Deadline: We will evaluate applications continuously

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen.
It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

ABB Electrification offers a leadership role in a global technology company with a clear focus on sustainability and innovation.
At ABB, we are dedicated to addressing global challenges. Our core values: care, courage, curiosity, and collaboration - combined with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities - are key drivers in our aim to empower everyone to create sustainable solutions. Write the next chapter of your ABB story.
This position reports to the Business Manager Operations – Europe, Secondary Gas Insulated Switchgear Europe.

Your role and responsibilities:

We are currently hiring a senior leader to head our production and engineering operations at our Secondary gas insulated switchgear manufacturing facility in Skien, Norway. Your primary mission will be to ensure operational excellence and drive innovation, while enabling the organization to scale effectively.
As Operations Manager at ABB Electrification Distribution Solutions, you will be responsible for several production-related departments at the Skien site, including production, engineering, planning and fulfilment and logistics. You will lead a team of 400 dedicated employees and collaborate closely with our sister plant in Poland. With strong growth and continuous innovation of our new SF6-free products, this is a pivotal role offering exceptional opportunities for the right candidate.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement business action plans aligned with ABB’s strategy and targets
• Drive continuous improvement in productivity, quality, delivery, and cost efficiency
• Ensure achievement of operational and financial targets, including budget and profitability
• Foster a culture of safety, customer focus, and high performance
• Build and develop a capable and effective organization
• The role is based in Skien, Norway

Qualifications for the role:

• University degree in engineering (industrial or mechanical) or relevant experience
• Proven leadership experience in manufacturing
• Broad management background and strong communication skills in English (Norwegian is a plus)
• Result-oriented, pragmatic, and customer-focused mindset
• Proven ability to build and lead diverse, high-performing teams
• Collaborative, culturally aware, and open-minded

What we offer:

At ABB, you’re not just taking a job — you’re gaining an opportunity to grow. We place great emphasis on personal and career development, offering an inclusive and flexible work environment where you can thrive. We believe that diversity is key to creating innovative solutions!

• The opportunity to work in an international company with engaging projects
• Focus on your personal development and career opportunities
• A collaborative work environment with an emphasis on collaboration and diversity
• Competitive salary, along with comprehensive insurance and pension plans
• Access to on-site fitness facilities, corporate sports activities and company cabins
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance

We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’.

ABB is a supplier of critical infrastructure. Personnel safety is therefore important to ABB and our customers. In collaboration with Meditor, ABB in Norway conducts background checks on candidates who receive offers of employment.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from diverse candidates.