Head of Production Operations

**Role description**:
We are seeking a Head of Production Operations to optimize our operations with a strong emphasis on Lean Principles and Operational Excellence. In this role, you will lead the transformation of our operational processes to drive efficiency, improvement initiatives while fostering a culture of excellence across pur production organization. You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that streamline processes, eliminate waste, and ensure sustainable, scalable growth.

**Your Mission**:
**Team Managment**
- Set strategic priorities to maximize impact, balancing cost, speed, and scalability with a hands-on approach to ensure rapid yet sustainable implementation of changes.
- Lead transformation projects to ensure Lean principles are embedded in daily operations, utilizing tools such as Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis to deliver measurable improvements.
- Promote cultural change by driving employee engagement and accountability at all levels, empowering teams to embrace innovation and take ownership of continuous improvement initiatives.

**Operational Excellence**:

- Establish, monitor, and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with operational excellence goals, setting ambitious but achievable targets to drive continuous performance improvements.
- Develop and implement scalable systems and processes that support long-term operational growth while improving speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.
- Lead Lean process optimization by identifying areas to eliminate waste, reduce process variability, and enhance throughput, cost-efficiency, and product quality without compromising safety standards.

**Safety and Compliance**:

- Ensure that all operations comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, promoting high standards of safety and quality control across all levels of the organization.
- Proactively manage risks by integrating compliance and safety into all process improvement and operational activities.

**Stakeholder Collaboration**:

- Collaborate closely with leadership, production, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure alignment on process improvements, efficiency targets, and strategic initiatives.
- Engage with colleagues at all levels, from senior leadership to frontline staff, to ensure broad-based support and participation in Lean transformation efforts.

**Minimum Qualifications**:

- Master’s degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (Lean certification preferred).
- 5+ years of experience in a related field, with at least 2 years focusing on Lean principles and Operational Excellence.
- 2+ years of experience in managing teams, with a proven ability to lead and mentor diverse groups toward common goals.
- Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with a track record of successfully driving cultural change.
- Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills with a data-driven approach to operational challenges.
- Deep knowledge of Lean methodologies such as Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma, and Value Stream Mapping.
- Strong digital capabilities, with experience using ERP systems and data analytics tools such as Power BI.
- Proficiency in both English and German (written and spoken) is required.

**Why you'll love working here**:

- Exciting tasks in an internationally operating, growing family business with flat hierarchies
- Flexible working hours and home office options
- 4 weeks remote work from other EU countries
- 30 days paid vacation per year
- Salary bands for a fair corporate culture
- Monthly allowance of €50 for your BAV
- Annual 360° feedback loops with clear promotion criteria and an individual career path
- Responsibility from day one in a company that encourages personal responsibility and growth
- Relocation costs can be reimbursed on a pro rata basis
- Regular company events such as summer party, Christmas party
- Paid team dinners or activities for each team twice a year
- Free parking right outside the door
- Perks and benefits: JobRad, subsidized lunch, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket, free language courses and discounted memberships at several gyms and for the Wellpass
- Fresh fruit, free drinks and snacks in the office

**About us**:
At Arethia, we fuse our long-standing reputation with a continual push for progress. A rapidly expanding player in the flavour industry, Arethia specialises in delivering innovative taste solutions and co-creating products that consumers love. For more than 70 years, Arethia has been known for its close collaboration with customers and the highest quality standards. With over 250 employees spread across Germany, Switzerland, Dubai, and Indonesia, we aim to shape the future of flavours with a culture that values agility, transparency, and talent.