Director of Operations

Role overview

An established diagnostics business is looking for a seasoned Director of Operations to take charge of its Leipzig site in the life sciences space. The position centers on managing everyday site activity, with direct oversight of production and logistics.

This opportunity is aimed at someone who can help steer the site through its next stage of growth and change. The focus is on modernizing and digitizing operations, strengthening efficiency, improving effectiveness, and building a culture of continuous improvement. You will work closely with senior leadership and report into that team while helping shape the future of the site.

What you will do

• Direct the daily running of the Leipzig facility, with responsibility for production and logistics functions.
• Apply lean manufacturing methods to raise efficiency and improve overall operational output.
• Track and improve core performance measures such as production lead time, scrap levels, stock positions, working capital, and demand planning.
• Drive digital change by helping automate workflows and identifying AI-based tools for forecasting and production planning.
• Lead and energize the team to deliver strong performance across the business, while keeping operational excellence at the center.
• Work in a highly practical, hands-on way, stepping in where needed to resolve issues and push improvements across the site.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate brings experience from biotech, diagnostics, or technology environments and understands the regulatory and compliance demands of these sectors.

You should have a history of improving and modernizing operations, preferably in a larger organization, while also being comfortable building, innovating, and adapting in a smaller and more agile setting.

This role calls for a leader who earns respect, encourages a varied team, and can guide organizational change effectively.

Strong capability in running production sites, introducing lean approaches, and raising operational performance is essential, along with a solid grasp of production and supply chain issues in regulated industries.

A practical, solution-oriented mindset is important, and you should be willing to lead from the front and stay closely involved in day-to-day challenges.

Fluency in both German and English is required, together with an understanding of local culture and working practices.

Additional information

If this sounds like the right next step and you are excited by operational excellence and transformation, the employer would welcome your application. A CV is requested for consideration. Further details can be obtained by contacting Ellen Stanton via the email address provided in the source.