Operations Excellence Manager Europe

We are looking for an experienced Operational Excellence leader to drive strategic transformation across multiple sites in Central Europe. In this high-impact role, you will lead the deployment of our OPEX strategy, champion continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure the successful adoption of productivity and labor planning tools. You will work closely with country operations directors and site teams to deliver sustainable performance improvements, optimize processes, and embed Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Acting as a key facilitator and trainer, you will empower teams, influence change, and maintain best practices across the region. If you have a proven track record in supply chain logistics, strong leadership and analytical skills, and thrive in a fast-paced, multi-country environment, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact. Role can be based from any of our hubs in Milan, Madrid or Warsaw.

This function has 3 main purposes:

• Manage and deploy the OPEX strategy including deep dives, sustainable turnarounds on sites, data analytics, process analysis, continuous improvement. Scope includes all CE sites.
• Manage, control and actively intervene (when necessary) to achieve the financial impact of the 5-levers annual savings in all CE sites.
• Deploy & ensure adaptation from sites of the Productivity & Labor planning tools (XWars, ProductivX) as well as CI tools & methods (Kaizen, Performance management, Lean) to all CE sites

Key Responsbilities:

• Manage and drive the 5-Levers for all CE countries together with the country ops directors. Be responsible to successfully achieving the 5-Levers savings for CE
• Be the lead manager and facilitator of country /site interventions and deep dives to secure 5-levers savings. Weekly follow-up, review & management of the 5-Levers savings target per country - Budget vs Actual.
• Manage the financial impact ($) of the 5-Levers savings. Identify gaps in countries/sites and define quick recovery plans with the countries. Ensure quality PIP in place per site.
• Coordinate,and facilitate the full adoption on Productivity and Labor planning tools (ProductivX, XWars, Slotting) together with all countries. Be the key trainer/facilitator.
• Manage together with the country/site engineers and site managers the Site Review program to evaluate and assess the level of OPEX readiness.
• Transfer knowledge to local CI community on the implementation of changes / new development in processes, tools and applications
• Ensure sites have strong active performance management and CI methods in place (Kaizen, Performance boards, 5S, Visual management) and support the deployment.
• Actively engage in a leading role with CI community to find improvement opportunities and proactive recovery plans in the existing sites PIPs when and if necessary.
• Actively maintain an up-to-date awareness of operational Best Practices and ensure shareability and scalability.
• Manage process improvement projects on a European Contract level in close collaboration with the countries

Experience & Qualifications :

• University degree (or equivalent) in business / Supply chain management/logistics / engineering. Equivalent education and experience is often accepted.
• At least 5 years of experience, including experience as a lead or supervisor, including at least two years of expert or managerial experience.
• Experience of applying comprehensive engineering management principles and practices.
• Experience of applying more standard project management methodologies with a focus on implementing plans to achieve goals.
• Very good knowledge of Contract logistics operations, financial impact, LEAN & Six Sigma tools
• Understanding of WMS functionalities on all (operations) modules
• Solid understanding of other Automation
• Change management knowledge and experience
• Knowledge and experience with process engineering and improvement methodologies
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations
• Strong and proven Training and coaching capabilities at desk and floor level in small and large groups
• Excellent training skills
• Leadership skills and ability to motivate and develop individuals and teams
• Solid knowledge of Six Sigma/LEAN tools. Experience leading projects
• Fluent English with at least one other European language skill

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication skills with ability to build strong professional relationships across all levels, regions and cultures
• Ability to explain technical topics to management as well as to users
• Strong analytical skills, with ability to interpret data and provide comprehensive presentations
• Ability to influence and effect change, as well as deliver effective and engaging training programs
• Flexible and able to travel up to 80% of your time across our European hubs

GXO is a leading provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world. We help our customers manage their goods most efficiently using our technology and services. Our greatest strength is our global team – energetic, innovative people of all experience levels and talents who make GXO a great place to work. GXO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate, support and thrive on diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We believe that diversity and inclusion in our business is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. We are an Armed Forces friendly organisation and Disability Confident Leader as part of the Disability Confident Scheme (GIS) and actively welcome applications from people with disabilities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.