Manager Operations Electrode - Cell Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Own the operational performance of the Electrode shop across Dry Powder Mixing, Coating, Calendering, and Slitting — taking personal accountability for hitting daily, weekly, and monthly output targets across all process areas, and driving the operational decisions, escalations, and resource deployment needed to deliver
• Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of Associate Managers and Supervisors - scale the existing organization and own team structure, hiring, development, and performance management across all levels
• Develop and maintain deep technical knowledge of Electrode processes — build genuine expertise; understand the physics, the failure modes, and the process sensitivities well enough to challenge assumptions, support root cause analysis, and make informed decisions without relying solely on engineering input
• Lead with an uncompromising safety and zero defect mindset, set the standard from the top and build a shop culture where safety, quality, and output are owned together
• Own cross-functional alignment as a core part of the role — build strong, trust-based partnerships across all Electrode teams and with global counterparts
• Lead escalation response with urgency and structure — triage fast, mobilize the right people, drive to root cause, and close the loop so the same problem does not come back,
• Drive operational readiness for new line bring-up and ramp — ensuring your teams are trained, your processes are stable, and your shift structure is ready before rate targets arrive
• Ensure operational continuity — building a team and a system that does not depend on any single person, including yourself, develop the skills, systems, and standards needed so that the shop runs with consistency and discipline without depending on constant leadership intervention

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Materials, or Process Engineering — or equivalent experience with a demonstrated track record of exceptional performance
• 7–12 years of experience in high-volume, high-precision manufacturing with direct operational leadership responsibility — including shift management, escalation ownership, and team development
• Industry background in precision web converting, coating and laminating, optical and functional films, pharmaceuticals, or battery separator manufacturing is strongly preferred
• Experience with high-precision manufacturing processes — background in roll-to-roll web handling, calendering, lamination, precision slitting, or dry powder processing at scale is strongly preferred; candidates with adjacent process experience and the demonstrated ability to build technical depth rapidly will also be considered
• Demonstrated ability to drive OEE as an operational discipline — establishing baselines, identifying loss drivers, and closing gaps systematically across availability, performance, and quality in a continuous, high-throughput environment
• Strong structured problem-solving capability and a zero defect mindset — proficient in 8D, DMAIC, or equivalent methodologies, and experienced in multi-process manufacturing environments
• Proven cross-functional leadership — able to build effective working relationships across Engineering, Quality, Safety, Supply Chain, and global teams, and drive alignment and decisions without requiring escalation
• Proven ability to lead and develop multi-disciplinary teams across continuous shift operations — with a track record of building high-performing organizations and establishing cultures of ownership and accountability
• Fluent in English; German is a plus
• Willingness to provide shift coverage during critical ramp phases and travel internationally as required

Not only do we offer you an attractive compensation package, but also access to a wide range of perks and benefits. For example:

• Our own medical center, a gym and an in-house barbershop
• E-bike charging stations in front of the factory, more than 500 free charging stations for electric cars, a bike leasing program, free use of the nextbike bike-sharing fleet, as well as numerous free shuttle bus routes to Grünheide and the surrounding areas
• You’ll receive subsidized canteen meals, a free S-membership at the Urban Sports Club (discount from M+) and you can sign up for many language courses
• We also offer all employees a wide range of insurance options, such as a company pension plan, as well as discounts on private insurance and legal protection insurance