Head of Operations Development - EA

Head of Operations Development - EA

Full-time; hybrid; located in Croatia

Join our team, which strives for continuous learning and improvement.

Allow us to introduce ourselves…

The Weidmann Group of companies is active in some of the world’s most vital fields namely energy and medical. Our technology and our knowhow contribute crucial resources to a worldwide market, whether it be leading the global market in transformer electrical insulation, keeping the lights on for billions of consumers, or the delivery of a breakthrough drug through our advanced plastics technologies for medical and pharmaceutical applications.

The role…

Head of Operations Development – Europe/Africa will lead and elevate operational performance across multiple manufacturing sites in the Business Area Electrical Technology (ET). This senior leadership role is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, overseeing automation strategies and technologies, and managing large-scale projects across the region. We are looking for an experienced leader possessing strong background in lean manufacturing, project execution, and change leadership in industrial environments.

How you’ll make an impact…

• Lead and mentor a regional team of Operational Excellence (OPEX) Managers, Automation Managers/Engineers, and Project Managers.
• Develop and execute a regional operational excellence strategy aligned with company goals to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Collaboration across all ET locations..
• Ensure alignment to the company’s established global Operational Excellence framework, including standardized use of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC methodologies.
• Drive consistency in the application of proven systems, processes, and tools across all regional manufacturing sites.
• Guide OPEX teams to implement Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and other improvement methodologies across manufacturing sites.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement in problem-solving at all levels.
• Track, report, and ensure the sustainability of improvements with clear KPIs and performance metrics.
• Oversee the regional automation team, including the planning and implementation of automation initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce labour costs, and increase throughput.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and drive implementation of smart factory solutions (Industry 4.0) capturing full use of process analytics.
• Partner with IT, engineering, and plant operations to ensure successful technology integration and adoption.
• Direct and prioritize major capital and operational projects through a team of regional project managers, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Ensure consistent project management practices and risk mitigation strategies across sites.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration among engineering, finance, procurement, and operations.

What do you bring…

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or operations, with at least 5 years in a multi-site or regional leadership capacity.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation systems, controls, and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and team-building skills.
• Good English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
• A target oriented, insistent, and persistent personality. Quickly recognize the significant issues and set priorities. Act pragmatic and close to reality.
• Good knowledge of LEAN, SIX-Sigma or Kaizen principle.
• Ability to travel regionally.

What do we offer?

• End-of-year bonuses, Christmas bonuses, holiday pay etc.
• Fully expensed company car
• Additional health insurance
• Participation in profit sharing based on the company’s profitability
• Continuous education and development
• Paid meal
• Contributions to a voluntary pension fund
• Annual salary adjustments

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Please apply via LinkedIn.

At Weidmann we are committed to equal opportunities and growth for all talents. We are convinced that a diverse and inclusive work environment increases mutual understanding and innovation of our business.