Operations Manager

SEM AB.- (Sweden); Åmål; On-site; SEK 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits programs

Health and well-being resources

Flexible workplace options

Formal development opportunities

Job summary

SEM AB.- in Åmål, Sweden is looking for an Operation Manager to lead plant manufacturing operations. The role focuses on achieving safety, quality, and cost objectives while fostering operational excellence through strong leadership and Lean practices.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of supervisory experience in manufacturing and a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. The role comes with competitive benefits and opportunities for formal development.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in a manufacturing operational supervisory role.
• English proficiency at minimum C1 level (spoken and written).
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing with demonstrated hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Production department to deliver operational execution.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for plant processes and performance.
• Ensure on-time fulfillment of customer requirements.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/technical discipline

Job description

Job Purpose

The Operation Manager is responsible for leading plant manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, volume, and cost objectives. This role drives operational excellence through strong leadership, Lean manufacturing practices, and continuous improvement, while ensuring stable daily execution, cross-functional collaboration, and the development of people and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Production department to deliver daily operational execution and stable performance.
• Define, deploy, and regularly review operating plans and work strategies aligned with plant and PHINIA business priorities.
• Own departmental KPIs and drive measurable improvements through performance monitoring, problem-solving, and structured continuous improvement (e.g., quarterly projects, Shainin, Kaizen).
• Build and embed a Lean culture, including 5S, standardized work, daily management, and workplace organization across all subordinate areas.
• Plan and secure resources (headcount, skills, materials, and equipment) to ensure effective production operation; monitor current state and define/execute budget assumptions.
• Collaborate effectively with other departments, functions, and supporting locations to resolve constraints and deliver shared objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for the plant processes and performance.
• Oversee the successful launch of new projects, product introductions, and engineering/process changes within the department, ensuring readiness and controlled implementation.
• Ensure compliance with legal, functional, and management system requirements as well as customer-specific requirements, including disciplined adherence to documented procedures.
• Ensure on-time fulfillment of customer requirements by maintaining schedule adherence, capacity alignment, and escalation/containment for risks to delivery.
• Define direction for employee development; coach, assess performance, and build organizational capability within the production organization.
• Maintain personal development and continuous learning, striving for excellence and role-modeling expected standards and behaviors.
• Know and comply with all requirements applicable to the role arising from certified management systems and other implemented standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in an engineering/technical discipline.
• Minimum five years of experience in a manufacturing operational supervisory role.
• English proficiency at minimum C1 level (spoken and written).
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing with demonstrated hands-on experience (e.g., 5S, standard work, Kaizen).
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate strategy into executable plans.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
• Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Proven leadership: organize and prioritize work, plan resources, motivate teams, delegate effectively, and follow up on execution.
• Strong teamwork and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• High personal effectiveness, with a focus on efficiency and continuous improvement.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive compensation and benefits programs.
• Health and well-being resources, family-centric policies, and flexible workplace options.
• Formal development opportunities at all levels and stages of employee careers.
• Commitment to equitable and competitive compensation.

Additional Information

• Visa Sponsorship: PHINIA provides sponsorship for employment visa status based on business need; for this role, applicants must be currently authorized to work on a full-time basis in the country where the position is based.
• EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: PHINIA is an equal employment opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.