About the Role
We are an established Chinese manufacturing group expanding into Europe. As part of our strategic growth, we are setting up a new production facility in the Stuttgart region and are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead this effort from the ground up.
This is a hands-on leadership position where you will drive the factory setup and take full ownership of operational planning, team building, and production performance. You will be the key local driver for establishing efficient, compliant, and scalable operations while collaborating closely with senior leadership in both Germany and China.
Your Responsibilities
* Lead the end-to-end setup of the new factory (greenfield project), including layout planning, equipment installation, process design, and ramp-up.
* Develop and implement operational strategies and KPI systems focused on safety, quality, cost control, and scalability.
* Ensure full compliance with German industrial regulations, safety standards, and quality certifications (e.g., ISO/TS
* Build, train, and manage the local operations team, including production, logistics, and maintenance staff.
* Establish lean manufacturing practices (e.g., 5S, Kaizen), continuous improvement initiatives, and performance monitoring.
* Collaborate with stakeholders across cultures and functions (Germany and China), ensuring smooth communication and project execution.
* Regularly report project status, risks, and improvement opportunities to senior leadership.
Your Profile
* Minimum 5 years of experience in production or operations management, ideally within the automotive or high-precision manufacturing sectors.
* Proven success in greenfield or brownfield factory projects, including equipment procurement and team build-up.
* Solid knowledge of German industrial standards, labor safety laws, and quality systems (ISO/TS
* Fluent in English (mandatory); proficiency in German is highly preferred, Mandarin is a plus.
* Strong leadership and communication skills in multicultural environments.
* University degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, or a related discipline.
* PMP, Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing certifications are advantageous.
What We Offer
* A unique opportunity to lead a factory project from scratch in a growing international company
* High degree of autonomy and cross-cultural responsibility
* Long-term career perspective with future regional leadership potential
* Competitive salary package and development opportunities