Operational Excellence Transformation Manager

Arla Foods Deutschland GmbH is seeking an experienced Operational Excellence Transformation Manager to drive operational excellence initiatives and lead critical improvement projects in a collaborative environment.

We are a leading dairy company committed to unlocking the highest potential in each other while working together to create a sustainable future of dairy. Our purpose, Stronger People Stronger Planet, is deeply anchored in our organisation and founded on our commitment to respecting human rights, increasing access to healthy dairy nutrition, inspiring good food habits, and improving the environment for future generations.

The estimated salary for this position is €80,000 - €110,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

We are looking for a skilled Operational Excellence Transformation Manager to lead operational excellence initiatives and drive continuous improvements across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Motivation, and Planet (SQCDMP). The successful candidate will have a strong track record of driving operational excellence projects, including Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives.

The key responsibilities of this role include:

1. Developing and implementing operational excellence strategies and initiatives to drive business growth and improve efficiency.
2. Leveraging data-driven insights to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted solutions.
3. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and ensure seamless execution.
4. Mentoring and coaching site leaders and teams to drive performance improvement and sustain results.
5. Promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement by challenging the status quo and encouraging experimentation and innovation.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving operational excellence initiatives, with experience in leading Lean or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) frameworks. A strategic mindset, strong communication and leadership skills, and experience with digital transformation and Industry 4.0 tools are also highly valued in this role.

The successful candidate will possess:

• 8+ years of experience in engineering, dairy production, or supply chain management.
• Solid experience as an operational front-line leader in a mature manufacturing environment.
• Formal qualification/education in production, supply chain, or a related field is beneficial.
• Proven experience in leading operational excellence projects, including Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Strong communication, project management, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with digital tools, financial acumen, and working within a matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach teams, with a get-it-done attitude that drives results.

We offer a competitive salary package, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our team is passionate about creating a sustainable future of dairy and we are committed to supporting your career development and well-being.

At Arla Foods Deutschland GmbH, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our differences make us stronger and we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and drive operational excellence at Arla, we would love to hear from you.