Senior Operational Transformation & Excellence Manager (fmd)

Responsibilities / Tasks

The Senior Manager Operational Transformation & Excellence (f / m / d) is a key driver of GEAs operational transformation agenda across global manufacturing sites. Embedded in Nutrition Plant Engineering (NPE) within the Operations Strategy & Execution team the role integrates four core levers of transformation.

• Performance Management (KPI governance transparency standards)
• Define and govern the global transformation framework across KPIs reporting standards and review routines.
• Ensure transparency on operational performance and enable data-driven decision-making across regions and sites.
• Facilitate transformation reviews and benchmark performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lean & Continuous Improvement (process excellence capability building waste reduction)
• Develop Lean standards methodologies and playbooks to strengthen global operational maturity.
• Lead high-impact Lean initiatives and cross-functional process optimization workshops.
• Build Continuous Improvement capability through coaching training and cooperation with local site teams.
• COGS Improvement Program (structured cost optimization)
• Own the structured COGS pipeline including identification prioritization execution governance and impact validation.
• Collaborate with Engineering Procurement Manufacturing and Supply Chain to realize sustainable cost improvements.
• Track progress drive accountability and report financial impacts to divisional leadership.
• Quality Management Process Harmonization (standardized quality fundamentals and problem-solving)
• Harmonize and continuously improve key end-to-end Quality Management processes tools and KPIs across the global manufacturing network.
• Drive right-first-time performance by embedding structured root cause analysis CAPA excellence and standardized problem-solving routines into daily operations.

Your Profile / Qualifications

Bachelors or Masters degree in Engineering Industrial Management Operations Business Administration or related field.

Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent advanced OE certification required (or strong experience at this level).

Several years in Operational Excellence Lean Continuous Improvement Operational Transformation or related roles.

Proven track record leading multi-site transformation or OE programs in industrial / manufacturing environments.

Strong experience with KPI frameworks COGS improvement quality process standardization and Lean systems deployment.

Experience engaging senior stakeholders and enabling large-scale behavior and process change.

Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence without authority.

Excellent facilitation coaching and change management capabilities.

Ability to simplify complexity and translate insights into actionable transformation plans.

Strong analytics and problem-solving skills.

Fluent in English; additional languages (e.g. German) beneficial.

Willingness to travel internationally as needed.

Key Skills

• Computer Science
• Operational Risk Management
• Risk Management
• Six Sigma
• Continuous Improvement
• Lean
• Process Improvement
• Pricing
• Customer Support
• Alteryx
• Kaizen
• Project Management Lifecycle

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