Operations Manager Germany

At Olenex, we supply a broad portfolio of high-quality edible oils and fats to customers worldwide. With thirteen strategically located refineries across Europe, we produce a wide range of liquid and tropical oils. Our team of specialists works closely with both food and non-food producers to deliver tailor-made ingredients that meet specific needs.

Beyond production, we are active in trading and sourcing raw materials to strengthen our offering in the oil and fats industry. Sustainability and fair trade are at the heart of what we do. Through our #SharedResponsibility initiative, we build integral partnerships and work toward a 100% sustainable supply chain.

We also believe in investing in our people. At Olenex, you’ll find opportunities for career development, training, and contribution within a dynamic and challenging environment where your impact truly matters.

We are looking for a experienced & proactive

Operations Manager Germany (m/w/d)

to lead our production site in Brake.

As Operations Manager Germany, you act as the senior site leader for Olenex in Brake. With a direct reporting line to the Head of Operations, you work in close partnership with him and you are responsible for leading the local Plant Management team to ensure aligned, high‑impact decision‑making and seamless operational execution. You will hold end‑to‑end responsibility for safe, reliable, and efficient production at Brake. Additionally, you serve as Olenex’s accountable operational lead for the Olenex‑owned Palm Line Asset within ADM Hamburg AG and hold technical responsibility for the Wilmar‑owned jetty in Brake.

Your mandate spans operational excellence, safety and compliance, continuous improvement, and strong cross‑functional collaboration with Commercial, Supply Chain, QA, and central functions, while providing clear, decisive leadership to the site teams and their managers.

Your responsibilities are:

• Own daily site performance at Brake: safety, reliability, quality, delivery, and cost tracking

• Drive operational excellence through process optimization, KPI management (yield, inventory, auxiliaries, energy), and structured CI methods (Lean/Six Sigma).

• Strengthen and steer the site management team: provide clear direction, elevate operational decision‑making, develop leadership capability, and embed a culture of ownership and accountability.

• Ensure compliance with EHS and food/feed safety standards (HACCP, GMP; IFS/BRC exposure), and maintain strong housekeeping and audit readiness.

• Steer budgets and CAPEX with rigorous financial discipline; optimize resources (people, equipment, materials, energy) for sustainable performance.

• Engage stakeholders: represent Brake with authorities, auditors, community; manage contractors.

• Communicate with clarity to the Head of Operations and key stakeholders on performance, risks, and improvement roadmaps.

• Partner closely with Commercial to translate customer expectations into operational performance targets and ensure Brake operates as a customer‑centric, market‑responsive site.

• Lead the cultural transformation at Brake in close collaboration with HR: fostering collaboration and cross‑functional alignment, while role‑modeling leadership behaviors.

Who are you?

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Engineering or a related field; Master’s preferred.

• 8+ years in manufacturing or industrial operations (oils & fats/process industry advantageous), including 24/7 / shift‑based environments.

• 5+ years of leadership in multi-site or high‑complexity settings; adept at leading leaders.

• Proven record with Lean / Six Sigma and structured problem‑solving (RCA, CAPA).

• Strong commercial acumen: confident with budgets, CAPEX, cost drivers, and trade‑offs; experienced partnering with Commercial/QA to enhance customer satisfaction and service reliability.

• Exposure to Industry 4.0 / MES / automation / data analytics is an advantage.

• Excellent communication skills in German and English; Dutch is a plus.

• High reliability, independence, and a safety‑first mindset.

• Proficiency in MS Office; digital affinity preferred.

We offer you:

A senior, visible leadership role with tangible impact on Olenex’s German operations & the chance to shape performance, capability, and culture at a pivotal manufacturing site.

In addition, we offer:

• Enthusiastic #TeamOlenex colleagues from around the world

• Competitive salary and development opportunities

• 30 days of annual leave

• Company fitness program (Hansefit)

• Pension scheme

• Bike Leasing