Operations Manager – Manufacturing

About the role

HITACHI ENERGY is looking for an experienced Operations Manager in Brno to lead one of its key manufacturing operations. The site covers machining, welding, surface coating, assembly and electrical testing and employs around 600 people. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for the site's operational performance, driving safety, quality, productivity, delivery and continuous improvement, and will support business growth, scalability and competitiveness.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop teams across Production Planning, Logistics & Warehousing, Material Management, Maintenance and Industrial Engineering.
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, engagement and operational excellence.
• Oversee production planning and execution so customer commitments are met while maximising efficiency, productivity and capacity utilisation.
• Manage manufacturing operations across machining, welding, coating, assembly and electrical testing.
• Ensure effective inventory management, warehousing, inbound and outbound logistics and optimised material flow.
• Develop maintenance strategies focused on equipment reliability, operational continuity and OEE.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, automation and digitalisation initiatives.
• Support capacity planning, scaling and the introduction of new products and technologies.
• Build organisational capability through coaching, succession planning and talent management.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to support growth.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven success managing complex, high-volume operations with a broad product portfolio and a high degree of customisation.
• Experience leading production, planning, logistics, maintenance and industrial engineering functions.
• Strong understanding of supply chain, inventory optimisation and material flow.
• Track record of improving productivity, quality, delivery, efficiency and cost management.
• Fluent English; proficiency in the local language is mandatory.
• An advantage: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Operational Excellence certification, exposure to automation, digital transformation and Industry 4.0, and experience leading large organisations in a multinational setting.

What we offer

• People-focused culture and structured career development programmes.
• Five weeks of vacation and flexible working hours with a 7.5-hour day.
• Birthday leave, fully employer-funded meal vouchers and annual cafeteria allowance.
• Employer contribution to pension savings and discounted mobile plans for employees and their families.
• Long-service awards, retirement benefits and collective agreement perks.