Head of Opex - Site Global Operations Business System Lead

Our people in Manufacturing & Global Operations share two priorities: getting things done and making things better. If you’re a dynamic person with a positive mindset, you’ll fit in well here. It’s an international team with a powerful spirit of collaboration. Together, we make sure our products meet the highest standards of quality by constantly searching for ways to improve at every stage of our value chain - from the raw materials we buy through to the logistics network that brings our medicines to patients. Join our team and help us make an even bigger contribution to Grünenthal’s future.

What the job looks like

Each day you’ll enjoy a variety of challenges, such as:

• Developing and implementing the Global Operational Excellence Strategy aligned with the company’s vision and goals in the Aachen Site
• Identifying and executing process improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and other OPEX methodologies
• Leading training programs to build operational excellence capabilities across areas and functions of the Aachen Site and execute workshops
• Promoting the adoption of new technologies and best practices to drive efficiencies.Leading cross-functional teams in executing improvement projects.Contributing to the development of the Business Operating System across all functions of the Aachen Site
• Monitoring and optimizing key performance indicators related to the implementation of critical initiatives
• Collaborating with regional and global colleagues to co-create and drive consistent operational standards
• Defining and executing the roadmap to excellence and driving continuous improvement activities for the Aachen Site
• Creating a continuous improvement culture by acting as a trainer, coach and role model

• Completed bachelor degree in a related field and several years of professional experience in the production environment (Master degree is a plus)
• Profound experience in Operational Excellence
• Proven success in implementing Operational Excellence initiatives
• Advanced experience in project management, Lean & Six Sigma Projects and TPM deployment to improve safety, quality, service, and cost
• Lean Six Sigma Black belt certification recommended
• Advanced skills with Excel and PowerPoint and in the use of mini-tab tools
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at different levels
• Fluency in written and spoken English and German

Grünenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases. As a science-based, privately-owned pharmaceutical company, we have a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide. Our purpose is to change lives for the better - and innovation is our passion. We are focussing all of our activities and efforts on working towards our vision of a world free of pain.

Grünenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, and has affiliates in 28 countries across Europe, Latin America and the US. Our products are available in more than 100 countries. In 2024, Grünenthal employed around 4,300 people and achieved sales of € 1.8 billion.