Project Manager (m/f/d) Operational Excellence

Project Manager (m/f/d) Operational Excellence

Date: Jul 13, 2026

Location: Hechingen, DE

Company: Maquet Cardiopulmonary GmbH

Remote Work: 1-2 days at home (site based)

Job Summary

The Operational Excellence Project Manager is responsible for the autonomous end-to-end leadership of complex, high-impact strategic and operational projects across functions, sites, and business interfaces. The role combines advanced project leadership, PMO governance ownership, and Lean transformation capability to deliver sustainable quality, cost, and delivery (QCD) improvements.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead complex cross-functional projects and transformation initiatives, including New Product Introduction (NPI), from planning through implementation
• Define project scope, objectives, governance, priorities, and execution plans aligned with business strategy
• Own Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD), managing risks, dependencies, escalations, and resource trade-offs to ensure sustainable outcomes
• Operate with a high degree autonomy in complex and ambiguous environments

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process inefficiencies, implementing structured improvement roadmaps, and delivering measurable business impact
• Apply advanced problem‑solving methodologies and ensure sustainable improvements through standardization, governance, and performance follow‑up
• Deliver Lean training and build continuous improvement capabilities across the organization

PMO & Project Governance

• Establish and continuously improve project management standards, governance, methodologies, and tools
• Ensure portfolio transparency through KPI‑based reporting and dashboards while aligning projects with business priorities and governance requirements
• Coach and mentor project managers to strengthen project management maturity

Stakeholder & Communication Management

• Build alignment across functions and management levels, representing projects in steering committees and management reviews
• Manage communication with key internal and external stakeholders while driving decisions and resolving cross‑functional conflicts

Technical & NPI Leadership

• Lead NPI workstreams from concept through implementation, ensuring alignment between product development, manufacturing, and operational processes
• Ensure compliance with applicable technical, quality, and regulatory requirements

Desired Profile

• Degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field
• 5+ years of project management experience in complex environments
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional and/or transformation projects
• Strong expertise in project management methodologies and governance
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and advanced stakeholder management skills
• Experience in manufacturing and/or regulated industries preferred
• Strong execution mindset with a high level of ownership and accountability for results
• Lean and continuous improvement mindset
• End‑to‑end process thinking across functions
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to lead effectively in complex and ambiguous environments
• Capability to coach, mentor, and develop others
• Fluent in written and spoken English; German language skills are preferred

We Offer

• High‑quality products in the life‑saving sector
• Compensation based on the IG Metall collective bargaining agreement, 30 vacation days per year, and other attractive benefits
• Flexible, family‑friendly work hours and remote work options
• JobRad and corporate benefits (employee discounts)
• Career opportunities at a well‑known company
• Personalized onboarding and professional development opportunities

Equal opportunity is very important to us, so we are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure an inclusive and supportive selection process.