Plant Manager_Western Germany

About the Position

Plant Manager_Western Germany

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead a manufacturing site of approximately 100 employees in Western Germany. This is a highly visible leadership role with full responsibility for operational performance, people leadership, and the execution of a broad operational transformation agenda.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving improvements across manufacturing, supply chain, planning, and logistics while building a high-performance culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. This role requires a leader who is equally comfortable developing long-term strategy and engaging directly on the shop floor to solve operational challenges.

A key aspect of the role will be leading the organization through a period of change, implementing modern manufacturing standards, improving process maturity, increasing operational agility, and enhancing overall business performance.

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Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for the performance of the manufacturing site, ensuring delivery of safety, quality, cost, service, and productivity objectives.
• Lead manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, warehousing, and production planning functions to achieve operational excellence and superior customer service levels.
• Develop and implement a robust KPI and performance management framework, ensuring transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making across all functions.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives, embedding a culture of operational discipline, waste reduction, and sustainable performance improvement.
• Improve production planning and scheduling processes to increase responsiveness to changing customer demand while optimizing capacity utilization.
• Lead inventory reduction initiatives and improve end-to-end material flow to enhance working capital performance and operational efficiency.
• Reduce lead times and increase organizational flexibility through process optimization, cross-functional collaboration, and improved planning practices.
• Partner closely with Finance to ensure strong operational control, cost management, forecasting accuracy, and achievement of business targets.
• Build and develop a high-performing leadership team, fostering engagement, accountability, collaboration, and talent development throughout the organization.
• Support the harmonization and continuous improvement of business processes, systems, and operational standards across the wider manufacturing network.
• Collaborate closely with other manufacturing locations to ensure effective coordination of production processes, material flows, and supply chain activities.
• Lead change management initiatives and successfully engage stakeholders across all levels of the organization during periods of transformation.
• Maintain constructive and professional relationships with employee representative bodies, ensuring effective cooperation while delivering business objectives.

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Requirements

• Proven experience leading a large manufacturing operation as Plant Manager, Operations Director, Site Director, or in a comparable senior leadership role.
• Strong track record of delivering operational transformation and measurable performance improvements within a manufacturing environment.
• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement methodologies, and operational excellence principles.
• Demonstrated experience implementing KPI-driven performance management systems and developing a culture of accountability.
• Strong expertise in production planning, supply chain management, logistics, inventory optimization, and capacity management.
• Experience managing operations in environments characterized by fluctuating demand and high product complexity.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with a hands-on, shop-floor-oriented management approach.
• Strong change management and stakeholder management capabilities, with the ability to influence across functions and levels of the organization.
• Experience working with German Works Councils (Betriebsrat) and employee representatives in a unionized environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Fluent German and English language skills.
• Willingness to relocate and work on-site in Western Germany.

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We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to lead a significant manufacturing site in Western Germany
• Chance to drive operational transformation and improvement
• Professional growth and development opportunities

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About the Company

lhh is a leading recruitment and HR services company dedicated to connecting top talent with innovative organizations. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients and candidates.