Head of Production Operations (m/w/d)

Permanent employee, Full-time · Reinbek

Role description

We are seeking an experienced 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 Leadership

Lead and mentor a cross-functional team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement through Lean and Six Sigma.
Promote cultural change by empowering employees at all levels to take ownership of improvement initiatives and drive innovation.
Strengthen engagement and accountability to build high-performing, improvement-driven teams.

Operational Excellence

Set strategic priorities to balance cost, speed, and scalability while ensuring effective change implementation.
Define and monitor KPIs to track progress and drive measurable performance improvements.
Implement scalable systems and processes that support long-term growth, improving accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Lead Lean transformation projects using tools such as Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis.

Safety & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards across all operations.
Embed safety and compliance into all improvement and transformation activities to proactively manage risks.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Collaborate with leadership, production, supply chain, and quality teams to align on process improvements and strategic goals.
Engage stakeholders at all levels—from senior management to frontline teams—to ensure broad support for Lean initiatives and sustainable cultural change.

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

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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.

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We look forward to hearing from you!

We appreciate your interest in Arethia. Please fill out the following short form. If you encounter any difficulties uploading your data, feel free to contact us via email at join@arethia.com.