Senior Operational Transformation & Excellence Manager (f/m/d)

<p></p><p><b>Responsibilities / Tasks</b></p><p>The Senior Manager Operational Transformation &amp; Excellence (f/m/d) is a key driver of GEA’s operational transformation agenda across</p><p>global manufacturing sites. Embedded in Nutrition Plant Engineering (NPE) within the Operations Strategy &amp; Execution team, the</p><p>role integrates four core levers of transformation.</p><ul><li><p>Performance Management (KPI governance, transparency, standards)</p></li></ul><p>· Define and govern the global transformation framework across KPIs, reporting, standards, and review routines.</p><p>· Ensure transparency on operational performance and enable data-driven decision-making across regions and sites.</p><p>· Facilitate transformation reviews and benchmark performance to identify opportunities for improvement.</p><ul><li><p>Lean &amp; Continuous Improvement (process excellence, capability building, waste reduction)</p></li></ul><p>· Develop Lean standards, methodologies, and playbooks to strengthen global operational maturity.</p><p>· Lead high-impact Lean initiatives and cross-functional process optimization workshops.</p><p>· Build Continuous Improvement capability through coaching, training, and cooperation with local site teams.</p><ul><li><p>COGS Improvement Program (structured cost optimization)</p></li></ul><p>· Own the structured COGS pipeline, including identification, prioritization, execution governance, and impact validation.</p><p>· Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to realize sustainable cost</p><p>improvements.</p><p>· Track progress, drive accountability, and report financial impacts to divisional leadership.</p><ul><li><p><span>Quality Management Process Harmonization (standardized quality fundamentals and problem-solving)</span></p></li></ul><p>· Harmonize and continuously improve key end-to-end Quality</p><p>· Management processes, tools, and KPIs across the global manufacturing network.</p><p>· Drive right-first-time performance by embedding structured root cause analysis, CAPA excellence, and standardized problem-solving routines into daily operations.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Your Profile / Qualifications</b></p><p>· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, Operations, Business Administration, or related field.</p><p>· Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent advanced OE certification required (or strong experience at this level).</p><p><span>· Several years in Operational Excellence, Lean, Continuous Improvement, Operational Transformation, or related roles.</span></p><p><span>· Proven track record leading multi-site transformation or OE programs in <span>industrial/manufacturing</span> environments.</span></p><p><span>· Strong experience with KPI frameworks, COGS improvement, quality process standardization, and Lean systems deployment. </span></p><p><span>· Experience engaging senior stakeholders and enabling large-scale behavior and process change.</span></p><p><span>· Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence without authority.</span></p><p><span>· Excellent facilitation, coaching, and change management capabilities. </span></p><p><span>· Ability to simplify complexity and translate insights into actionable transformation plans. </span></p><p><span>· Strong analytics and problem-solving skills. </span></p><p><span>· Fluent in English; additional languages (e.g., German) beneficial. </span></p><p><span>· Willingness to travel internationally as needed.</span></p><p></p><p><span><b>Did we spark your interest?</b><br/>Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.</span></p>