Manufacturing Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a strategically important manufacturing site in Southern Germany. This is an outstanding opportunity for a proven manufacturing leader who thrives in a dynamic production environment and is passionate about operational excellence, people development, and continuous improvement.

• Take full ownership of all plant operations, ensuring world-class manufacturing performance.
• Lead the execution of production plans while meeting quality, delivery, productivity, and financial objectives.
• Champion a culture where safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement are embedded in everyday operations.
• Develop, coach, and inspire production leaders and operational teams, creating a high-performance working environment.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives and operational excellence programmes to improve efficiency, optimise workflows, and reduce waste.
• Manage the site's operational budget, identifying opportunities for cost optimisation and improved resource utilisation.
• Define and execute the site's operational strategy to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainable business growth.
• Build strong partnerships across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Product Management, R&D, and Commercial teams to successfully deliver business objectives.
• Monitor operational performance through KPIs, using data-driven decision-making to identify opportunities and implement improvements.
• Provide regular business updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

The ideal candidate combines strong manufacturing expertise with exceptional leadership skills and a passion for driving operational transformation.

• A degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or another relevant technical discipline.
• More than 10 years of leadership experience within a manufacturing environment, ideally in the electronics or advanced industrial sector.
• Extensive experience leading manufacturing operations with a strong focus on Lean Manufacturing, Shop Floor Management, and Continuous Improvement.
• Demonstrated success managing complex operations and leading organisational change.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across all organisational levels.
• Strong analytical thinking, strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities.
• A collaborative leadership style with proven experience building engaged, high-performing teams.
• Fluency in both English and German.

This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact within a highly technical manufacturing environment. You will play a key role in shaping operational strategy, leading transformational initiatives, and developing teams while contributing directly to the long-term success of the business.

Skills:

operational excellence,lean manufacturing,leadership,operations,teams,continuous improvement,management,manufacturing,operational strategy,decision-making