Senior Operational Transformation

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IT

Germany, Düsseldorf

December

Full time

Permanent

Job benefits

Competitive salary and bonus scheme

Continuous personnel development (e-learnings & projects)

Free day to volunteer

The Senior Manager Operational Transformation & Excellence (f/m/d) is a key driver of GEA's 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.

• Bachelor's or Master's 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.

About GEA

GEA is one of the largest suppliers for the food and beverage processing industry and a wide range of other process industries. Approximately 18,000 employees in more than 60 countries contribute significantly to GEA's success – come and join them We offer interesting and challenging tasks, a positive working environment in international teams and opportunities for personal development and growth in a global company.

Why join GEA

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

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