We are looking for an experienced Director of Operational Excellence to join us in our mission to contribute to a greener future. By joining us, you will be a key player in establishing operational excellence and contributing to building one of the first large-scale battery factory in Germany.
About the Job
As the Director of Operational Excellence, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the Northvolt Excellence System for our Gigafactory, Northvolt Drei. You will lay the foundation for production efficiency and drive our mission towards operational excellence.
In this capacity, you will build your own team while also contributing to the establishment of local Lean functions within the manufacturing organization. Leveraging Lean principles, insights from past experiences, and best practices, you will coach and inspire teams to embrace a culture of operational excellence in production.
Your mission will be to translate strategic objectives into effective routines and standards, guiding the organization toward greater efficiency and lean practices. You will unite management around shared goals, fostering an environment of collaborative organizational behavior.
Your expertise will be crucial not only in day-to-day operations but also in addressing strategic challenges and supporting factory expansions.
About the Team
You will be part of Northvolt Drei's management team and report directly to the Plant Manager. This role offers the chance to build and develop a team of Lean experts while also contributing to the establishment of local lean initiatives within the manufacturing organization.
If you're ready to take on the challenge of driving operational excellence in a dynamic and innovative environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement a Lean Roadmap, establishing standards and governance across the manufacturing environment.
• Enforce standard work principles to ensure IATF 16949 line certification
• Coach and teach Lean principles, tools, and methods to the entire manufacturing team.
• Build a collective Lean toolbox (e.g., 5S, SMED, Kanban) and ensure accessibility for project participants.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop a Production System and Shop Floor Management that visualizes and monitors production KPIs.
• Lead the Drei Academy, responsible for creating training material for general lean training, training change management and follow-up of knowledge levels
• Guide Lean teams to achieve project goals and drive the execution of continuous improvement activities.

Northvolt is an equal opportunity employer. We're a diverse group of individuals, united by a common mission, who recognise that while our actions as individuals have a role to play in driving Northvolt towards its goals, we always seek to move forward as a team. We offer you an open and welcoming atmosphere where we win as a team – and fail as a team. Northvolt is growing at the speed of light and we are a strong believer in internal career development. For us it’s important to look at your skills and potential, please refrain form including your picture and age with your application to help us with this.
Apply with CV in English or your complete Linked In profile.
Full time employment, fixed salary.
Planned starting date is asap.
Please note that candidates considered for employment with NV may be subject to a mandatory background check process.
Please note that any applications submitted via email or direct messaging will not be considered.

Skills & Requirements
We believe that you have :

• A relevant university preferably Engineering degree.
• + 5 years experience as a manufacturing manager / lean manager.
• Experience in Quality Management and Problem Solving.
• Expertise in Lean philosophies and associated methodologies.
• A high level of knowledge in standard work principles.
• High competence in change management.
• Ability to break down strategic targets to operational tasks/routines.

Bonus points for:

• IATF 16949 certification.
• Experience in green field projects.

Great Place to Work

Top specialists as team peers

International environment

Fast paced & entrepreneurial culture

Wellness grant

4 semaines de vacances / 4 weeks of vacation

Journées maladie illimitées / Unlimited sick days