Head of Operations

Alfa Laval´s Portfolio Unit Electrolyzer & Fuel Cell Technologies is looking for a Head of Operations

Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact – on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we’re pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world-leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping. As we push forward, the innovative, open spirit that fuels our 140-year-old start-up culture and rapid growth also drives our personal growth. So, as we shape a more resourceful, less wasteful world, we build our careers too.

Background

The Energy Division is transforming towards clean technologies, creating new business opportunities, and a need to strengthen our team. Alfa Laval is active across the hydrogen value chain, where our heat transfer technologies and deep know-how are core components. Our proprietary technologies and heat transfer expertise, combined with global manufacturing capabilities, are essential to accelerating the hydrogen economy and enabling affordable, efficient solutions at an industrial scale.

Together with our customers, we are increasing our focus on innovative electrolyzer and fuel cell technologies. The Portfolio Unit Electrolyzer & Fuel Cell Technologies is part of the Energy Division and works to advance solutions for producing green hydrogen and delivering clean power from fuel cells. By supporting customers as they develop and scale hydrogen projects, the unit contributes to the energy transition.

About the role

As Head of Operations for the Portfolio Unit Electrolyzer & Fuel Cell Technologies, you will develop, lead and optimize the unit’s operational performance while driving the industrialization and rollout of new products. You will ensure the seamless integration of products and processes—from concept through to full-scale production. In doing so, you will balance the needs of mature operations with the agility required to introduce new products and concepts. Your leadership will help build the operational capabilities needed to support the unit’s growth and deliver effective solutions for customers developing and scaling hydrogen projects.

Key responsibilities for this role entail:

• Build a future-ready operational setup, leveraging Group capabilities and innovative manufacturing.
• Lead new products from development through industrialization, launch, and handover to serial production.
• Advance process innovation, digitalization, and automation.
• Implement best practices and lead change initiatives, fostering innovation, learning and adaptability.
• Establish scalable processes that meet manufacturability, quality, and cost targets.
• Lead day-to-day manufacturing, supply chain and logistics for existing and new products
• Lead change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new processes, technologies, and ways of working.
• Drive operational excellence, cost efficiency, and compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Develop and motivate teams by fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Partner with R&D, Product Management, Sales and other functions to deliver business objectives.
• Ensure operational readiness for product launches, including pilot production and ramp-up.
• Track and report KPIs for industrialization and operational performance.

This position will be based in Lund, Sweden and will report to the BU President of Portfolio Unit Electrolyzer & Fuel Cell Technologies.

What You Know

You hold a university degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline, and have proven experience leading operations in a manufacturing or industrial environment. You have a strong track record in new product industrialization, process development, or New Product Introduction (NPI), supported by excellent project management skills. You bring expertise in lean mass production, manufacturing automation, and flow processes, along with a sound understanding of supply chain principles. You’re also familiar with production methods used in metal-based industries and have a solid grounding in materials science. With strong financial acumen, you can analyze data and make informed, evidence-based decisions.

Who You Are

You are a confident cross-functional leader who communicates clearly and builds strong relationships with stakeholders. You lead change in a collaborative way, bringing people together to achieve shared goals. You excel in problem-solving and decision-making, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement. Additionally, your cultural awareness and ability to thrive in an international environment make you a valuable asset. As a strong team player and true networker, you foster cross-functional collaboration across different areas of the business to achieve shared success.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a challenging position in an open and innovative environment where we help each other to develop and create value. Your work will have a true impact on a sustainable future and Alfa Laval’s future success.

Assessment practicalities     

We care about diversity, inclusion, and equity in our recruitment processes. We also believe behavioral traits can provide important insights into a candidate's fit to a role. To help us achieve this we apply Pymetrics assessments, and upon application you will be invited to play the assessment games. Playing the games is mandatory.      

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace, we conduct background checks on final candidates for this role.    

Alcohol and drug testing  

As part of Alfa Laval’s commitment to a safe and healthy workplace, alcohol and drug testing are applied during the pre-employment process.  

For further information please contact:

Pol Dunoyer, BU President of Portfolio Unit Electrolyzer & Fuel Cell Technologies, [email protected]

Tanja Sukaj, Talent Acquisition Partner, [email protected]

For union information, please contact:    
Monica Anderberg, Unionen, at [email protected]   

Johan Ranhög, Akademikerna at Johan.Ranhö[email protected]   

Stefan Sandell, Ledarna at [email protected]  

Claes Kronsell, IF Metall,  [email protected]

Submit your application as soon as possible, and no later than 30th of November 2026, as we are reviewing candidates on an ongoing basis. We are conducting a continuous review of the applications received. We do not accept applications via email, due to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).