Senior Manager: Operations Excellence

AEQUITA; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AEQUITA is a private equity group focusing on transformation and performance improvement across its portfolio. The Operations Team drives shopfloor improvements, KPI governance, and cross-functional initiatives to enhance productivity and profitability.

The role requires a hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset with strong analytical and communication skills. Significant travel may be required to support portfolio companies and PMI initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence.
• Hands-on experience with transformation and performance improvement initiatives.
• Ability to drive shopfloor improvements and KPI development.

Responsibilities

• Drive sustainable operational improvements through execution.
• Engage on the shopfloor and in management discussions.
• Lead operational workstreams and performance projects on site.
• Collaborate with executive management across portfolio companies.
• Develop KPI frameworks, governance structures, and performance management systems.
• Support PMI and buy-and-build initiatives.
• Drive manufacturing and supply chain improvements.

Skills

Operational excellence

Shopfloor management

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Hands-on approach

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Masters preferred

Job description

AEQUITA is an owner-managed private equity group headquartered in Munich and one of the fastest-growing investors in Europe. With 12 portfolio companies and more than EUR 12 billion in combined revenue, we invest in carve-outs, transformation situations, and special situations.

Our portfolio companies operate primarily in the automotive, chemicals, machinery and equipment, and broader industrial B2B sectors.

High Impact. Low Ego.

Position Summary

As part of the AEQUITA Operations Team, you will support the transformation and performance improvement of our portfolio companies. Working closely with AEQUITA teams and local management, you will identify operational improvement opportunities and drive their successful implementation.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Supporting transformation, restructuring, and performance improvement initiatives
• Driving operational excellence across manufacturing, supply chain, and support functions
• Improving productivity, profitability, and operational performance
• Developing KPI frameworks, governance structures, and performance management systems
• Driving operational improvement initiatives directly on the shopfloor
• Supporting PMI and buy-and-build initiatives
• Working closely with executive management and operational leadership teams across our portfolio companies
• Leading operational workstreams and performance improvement projects on site

Key Responsibilities

Inclusive but not limited to the following:

• Drive sustainable operational improvements through execution
• Comfort on the shopfloor and in management discussions
• Proven track record in operational excellence, restructuring, manufacturing improvement, or productivity enhancement initiatives
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, shopfloor management, and operational performance drivers
• High degree of results orientation and execution focus
• Strong analytical capabilities combined with a pragmatic, hands‑on approach
• Self-starter with initiative.
• Strong analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with capacity to interact with outside parties and personnel across all levels of the firm.
• Dedicated team player with a strong sense of ownership and follow‑through skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

General Qualifications

• 5 – 7 years of experience in, continuous improvement, and operational excellence, manufacturing, transformation, performance improvement
• Entrepreneurial mindset and hands‑on approach

Education

• Required - four year degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• Preferred – masters degree in related field

Travel

• High volume travel requirements for start-up support that improves through transition progress