Operations Manager

Job Description

How can you contribute to our growth and transformation?

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager who will lead our manufacturing operations and play a key role in driving business performance, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.

As a member of the site leadership team, you will be responsible for overseeing Production, Supply Chain, Production Execution, and Methods functions while ensuring the achievement of safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial objectives. You will drive continuous improvement initiatives, develop operational strategies, and support the transformation of our manufacturing organization to meet future business challenges.

How will your typical workday look like?

• Lead and manage all manufacturing operations to ensure the achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets
• Develop and deploy short- and long-term operational strategies aligned with business objectives
• Manage Production, Supply Chain, Production Execution, and Methods departments
• Build, propose, and manage the Operations budget in line with corporate and site objectives
• Optimize manufacturing performance while maintaining high product quality standards
• Drive productivity improvement initiatives and cost reduction programs
• Monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions to achieve business targets
• Lead capacity planning, resource allocation, and workforce optimization activities
• Develop manufacturing policies, procedures, and performance standards
• Build and monitor monthly sales and backlog forecasts while ensuring operational readiness
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the organization
• Reduce waste, scrap, and rework through systematic problem-solving and process optimization
• Lead major operational projects, including facility layout changes, equipment installations, and investment projects
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality requirements
• Act as a key liaison between site leadership, department managers, and employees
• Develop, coach, and evaluate leadership teams while building a high-performance culture

What do we want to know about you?

• Engineering degree or equivalent technical education and experience
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Operations Management within a manufacturing environment
• Proven leadership experience managing multiple operational functions and large teams
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and operational excellence principles
• Experience with budgeting, financial planning, and performance management
• Demonstrated experience driving organizational transformation and change management initiatives
• Experience working in an international manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of ERP systems (SAP is an advantage)
• Professional proficiency in English and Slovak language
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office 365

What will make you successful in this role?

• Strong strategic and business mindset combined with a hands-on leadership approach
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and people development skills
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing methodologies, including:
  • 5S
  • Kaizen
  • FMEA
  • One-Piece Flow
  • Lean Management
  • Continuous Improvement tools
• Strong project management and execution skills
• Ability to drive operational transformation and deliver measurable business results
• Customer-focused approach with a commitment to operational excellence
• High level of accountability, resilience, and decision-making capability

What can we offer?

• Stable employment in an international company
• Annual Bonus
• Language courses - online platform
• Company Car
• Interest-free employee loans up to €2,000
• Referral bonus for recommending a new employee (€500)
• Marriage bonus (€285)
• Recreation allowance
• Pharmacy voucher worth €100
• Flexible working hours and occasional home office option

Qualifications

Additional Information

Successful candidates will be employed under local employment conditions and must already satisfy local employment/work permit and residency regulations.

Please note that we do not accept agency candidate submissions without a formalized agreement with Wabtec Talent Acquisition. If you are an agency/third-party Recruiter and have not been engaged by Wabtec for this search, we do not owe you a fee if you submit a candidate to the applicant tracking system that is ultimately hired.

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What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
 

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.