Manager Operations Transformation

About the role

GEA's Pharma & Food Applications division is looking for a Manager Operations Transformation to lead end-to-end site transformation programs at selected sites across its international manufacturing network. Programs cover operations, engineering, quality, qualification and validation, supply chain, organizational design and supporting functions. The role is based in Wommelgem.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end site transformation programs from diagnosis through implementation and stabilization
• Diagnose current performance and set quantified improvement targets for productivity, lead time, quality, delivery reliability, capacity utilization and operational cost
• Develop future-state operating models with local teams, covering organizational structures, cross-functional processes, manufacturing layouts, workplace design and material flows
• Turn the design into workstreams, roadmaps, milestones and governance routines, driving implementation across operations, engineering, quality, qualification and validation, supply chain and supporting functions
• Apply Lean and operational excellence methods such as 5S, standard work, visual management, structured problem-solving and daily performance management
• Align stakeholders, resolve barriers and track KPIs and benefits, driving corrective action
• Coach local teams and managers to embed new ways of working

Required profile

• Master's degree in industrial engineering or a comparable technical or operations-related discipline
• Several years of experience in operational excellence, manufacturing engineering or transformation management, with a proven track record of leading complex site transformation programs
• Experience in engineer-to-order or similar engineering-driven manufacturing environments
• Experience working across countries and cultures in an international manufacturing environment
• Fluency in English and willingness to travel internationally regularly and spend substantial time at production sites

Required skills

• Lean Manufacturing, operational performance management and continuous improvement
• Manufacturing layout optimization, workplace design, capacity planning and end-to-end production flows
• KPI and benefit tracking
• Project, change and stakeholder management, influencing without direct line authority

What we offer

• An international role with significant visibility and impact
• Transformation projects across multiple production locations
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A collaborative and innovative working environment
• A competitive compensation and benefits package