Director, Operations

Vention helps some of the most innovative manufacturing companies automate their production floor in just a few days. Vention's online-first manufacturing automation platform (MAP) enables its clients to design, automate, order, and deploy manufacturing equipment directly from their web browser.

Vention is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with offices in Berlin, and is used in over 4,000 factories on 5 continents. We are a performance driven culture that cares deeply about happiness. We like ambitious goals, facts & data, and constructive debates. But at the same time, we know that we can't repeatedly push ourselves if we are not surrounded by an uplifting and caring work environment. Those two sides of our culture, feed each other and are safeguarded with the same level of attention. Our values & principles include:

• We make our clients successful - we do what's right for our customers, even when it makes our roles more challenging.
• We execute and deliver - we set ambitious goals for ourselves and are energized about meeting them.
• We debate, then commit - we challenge our own perspectives and ideas in pursuit of the best solutions.
• We innovate to inspire - we value innovation in products, user experiences, and business practices.
• We collaborate to achieve more - we work as one team to achieve more than we would on our own.
• We empower our people to reach their full potential - we hold ourselves to high standards but know when to celebrate progress & achievements

Vention is seeking a strategic and hands-on leader to establish, scale, and integrate our European operations, supply chain, and quality systems from our hub in Berlin, Germany.

Reporting directly to the Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO), this role combines strategic leadership with active, on-the-ground execution. You will leverage Vention's existing global processes, systems, and playbooks—adapting, right-sizing, and localizing them for the European context—to ensure fast, reliable, and high-quality performance.

Your mission: scale quickly, operate efficiently, and deliver with excellence. You will lead all regional supply chain, logistics, quality, and fulfillment activities while building a cohesive organization that integrates seamlessly with Vention's global operations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead the launch and scale-up of Vention's EMEA operations, supply chain, and quality organization. Implement existing global systems and standards (ERP, MRP, WMS, QMS), adapting and optimizing them for regional requirements and scale.
•  Ensure full alignment with global processes while introducing pragmatic adaptations that improve speed and efficiency.
•  Serve as the single point of accountability for EMEA performance across quality, cost, and delivery.
•  Balance long-term strategic development with hands-on, day-to-day execution.

Supply Chain & Logistics

• Establish and manage the regional supply chain network, including sourcing, logistics, and fulfillment partners.
•  Lead inbound, outbound, and last-mile logistics with focus on reliability, cost, and speed.
•  Manage supplier qualification, performance, and continuous improvement, ensuring reliability and scalability.
•  Drive cost optimization and delivery performance while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
•  Leverage digital tools and analytics to improve material visibility and decision-making.

Operations & Fulfillment

• Set up and optimize EMEA fulfillment, assembly, and kitting operations based on global operational standards.
• Deploy Lean and standardized work systems to achieve repeatable, fast, and scalable execution.
•  Oversee site layout, flow design, and day-to-day performance at the Berlin hub and future EMEA sites.
•  Lead major operational projects, including facility setup, partner transitions, and process integration.

Quality Leadership

• Deploy and localize Vention's global Quality Management System (QMS) to the European network.
• Ensure supplier, process, and customer quality align with company standards and compliance requirements.
•  Personally lead containment, root cause analysis, and corrective actions where needed.
•  Build a proactive, prevention-focused culture of quality at the source.
• Partner with global peers to standardize inspection, traceability, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Planning & Inventory

• Integrate global planning practices while adapting to European supply and demand realities.
•  Optimize inventory strategy across EMEA to balance responsiveness, accuracy, and working capital.
•  Ensure data integrity and visibility through system-driven controls and dashboards.
•  Partner with global Planning and Logistics to maintain end-to-end synchronization.

Infrastructure & Expansion

• Lead key site expansion and setup projects, from lease negotiation to operational readiness.
•  Manage facility-related vendors and contracts (security, utilities, maintenance, etc.).
•  Ensure operational, quality, and safety compliance across all EMEA facilities.

People & Culture

• Hire, develop, and empower a Berlin-based team spanning supply chain, operations, and quality.
•  Model hands-on leadership—directly engaging in problem solving, system setup, and process improvement.
•  Build a culture of speed, ownership, and continuous improvement.
•  Act as a strong bridge between EMEA and global leadership, ensuring clarity, alignment, and shared best practices.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, operations, logistics and/or quality, including 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Proven experience deploying and adapting global processes and systems to regional environments.
• Strong expertise in logistics, inventory management, supplier development, and quality management.
• Demonstrated success in scaling organizations rapidly while maintaining quality and control.
• Deep understanding of Lean, QMS/ISO systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency with ERP, MRP, and WMS systems; data-driven and process-oriented mindset.
• Experience in automation, industrial equipment, or high-mix, low-volume manufacturing preferred.
• Fluent in German and English; additional European languages are assets.
• A builder and operator who combines strategy with hands-on execution—capable of scaling fast while maintaining excellence.

How We Take Care of You

• Flexible paid time off and remote work policies.
• Complimentary beverages and snacks so that you are fuelled and ready for your day.
• Global comprehensive health plans so you feel your best.
• Career growth opportunities. Your future matters.
• Fun-filled social events curated based on diverse interests for our team to celebrate together. From sponsored sports teams to trivia nights.
• Time off to volunteer and give back to your community.

What to Expect in Your Interview

• Initial Call
• Meet the Team
• Challenge
• On site interview
• Decision & Offer

‍Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Our culture is an uplifting environment for high achievers. The fast-paced, high-performance environment will give you the opportunity to build products, processes and strategies that will have a lasting impact.

When you join Vention, you join a team of professionals with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Together, we strive to nurture a supportive and inclusive work environment for all. We push each other to achieve extraordinary results and forge long term relationships as a result of the intensity and passion. 

We're passionate about helping you do your best work. Claim your seat and find out what you can do

If you're unsure if your experience perfectly matches our job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are happy to chat and get to know you better while you can understand the role as well.