Operational Excellence (OpEX) Manager – CI/LEAN

The Role:

As Operational Excellence (OpEx) Manager – CI/Lean, you will be responsible for leading and coordinating continuous improvement and operational excellence efforts at the site. This is a hands-on, site-based role with direct responsibility for delivering measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, and efficiency.

You will be supported by three local associates who report directly to you. Together with your team, you will identify synergies and drive process efficiencies across the plant.

You will lead Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement projects in line with the Group’s OpEx roadmap. You will implement waste reduction and process optimization initiatives and define, measure, and report on key operational KPIs — including production efficiency, downtime, quality, and cost — providing actionable insights to site management.

You motivate and lead your team and act as a key driver of a strong continuous improvement culture.

Further Responsibilities:

• Standardize best practices and processes across adapa Group manufacturing sites to ensure consistency, quality, and operational excellence.
• Facilitate and deliver training on Lean methodologies, Six Sigma tools, kaizen events, workshops, and coaching for site teams.
• Drive stakeholder engagement and build strong relationships with site leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Communicate the OpEx vision, progress, and results effectively.
• Support change management by securing buy-in and building a culture of continuous improvement.
• Lead cross-functional Lean and Six Sigma initiatives across Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Finance.
• Drive sustainability in operations by identifying waste and cost elimination opportunities.
• Report and communicate project outcomes, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership and share best practices across the adapa Group.

Your Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing or operations, with hands-on OpEx / CI / Lean responsibility.
• Deep knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred (Black Belt an advantage).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills — ability to translate data into actionable improvements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, from shop-floor to senior management.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing change in a fast-paced environment.
• As a leader, you are visible and able to motivate your team. You are passionate about continuous improvement and innovation, open-minded, proactive, success-driven, and self-reflective. You are adaptable in a changing environment, a strong team player, and have a positive mindset.
• You are fluent in English and preferably also in Danish, both written and spoken. (additional European languages are a plus).

You Are Offered:

A strategic and challenging position with significant freedom to influence and shape your role, the functioning of your team and improvement initiatives in an international growing packaging company committed to sustainability, quality, and continuous innovation.

You’ll have responsibility in an organization undergoing transformation, both locally and across the adapa Group. You will also be part of the management team at the site in Slagelse.

In addition, you are offered:

• Engaged, motivated, and competent colleagues in a high-performance and informal working environment.
• Strong internal network with close collaboration across adapa Group sites and functions.
• Professional growth opportunities within leadership, operational excellence, and international exposure.

Start Date:

As soon as possible (but we are willing to wait for the right candidate).