Manufacturing Excellence Manager

Mutares is an international private equity investor focused on medium-sized companies in transitional phases. The Manufacturing Excellence Manager will lead operational transformations on-site at portfolio companies’ factories across The Netherlands and Europe, implementing change to streamline processes and drive profitable growth.

About Mutares

Mutares is a listed European-based private equity holding company specialized in restructuring medium-sized companies and spin-offs. They focus on acquiring parts of large corporations (carve-outs) and medium-sized companies with revenues of 100 million euros to 750 million euros in transitional situations. By leveraging the development potential of the usually distressed target companies within the framework of an active turnaround process, their teams of operational specialists restructure businesses, and guide them to stable and profitable growth paths.

Known as ‘the equity entrepreneurs,’ Mutares actively supports their portfolio companies with their own consulting teams and through strategic add-on acquisitions. The international holding company is owner-managed, with approximately thirty-seven percent of shares held by the Management and Supervisory Boards that are very involved in the value creation process. The Mutares portfolio companies operate in a wide range of industries worldwide, which are mainly Automotive and Mobility; Engineering and Technology; Goods and Services; and Retail and Food.

Since opening their first office in Munich in 2008, Mutares has become a global player in the carve-outs and restructuring market. They now have 27,000 employees across their portfolio companies. And their team of 140 operational specialists who handle the entire value creation process are based in thirteen European offices, including their central Amsterdam office. Mutares is expanding its business even further across Europe and globally, with plans to add new locations in China and the US.

Vacancy: Manufacturing Excellence Manager

The Manufacturing Excellence Manager will lead the restructuring of operational efficiency and drive the overall performance within the manufacturing facilities of Mutares’ portfolio companies. Taking a hands-on role on-site at factories across The Netherlands and Europe, they will analyze existing workflows, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to streamline operations and drive profitability.

The role includes working on a wide variety of company-wide operational model redesign projects, including plant, department, and process improvements, as well as implementing digital transformation journeys for shop floor operations. The Manager will critically assess each element of the portfolio companies’ manufacturing and warehousing processes, identifying opportunities to enhance production capabilities and reduce costs. They implement change quickly and effectively, introduce best practices, streamline operations, and improve EBITDA.

The Manufacturing Excellence Manager will implement quality control measures and ensure facilities meet strict industry standards and regulatory requirements. They will report to Tobias Horst, Practice Head of Manufacturing, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish and monitor KPIs and track the effectiveness of manufacturing processes. They are familiar with cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies like Lean Management, Toyota Production System, Six Sigma, and WCM. They will identify and utilize tools to increase efficiency at specific manufacturing facilities and use strategic data and insights to identify and prioritize necessary measures for improvement. They will also be responsible for financial and P&L analysis and management accounting processes.

Understanding that operational excellence is only possible with the right people in place, the Manufacturing Excellence Manager also invests in building relationships with on-site employees, offering training and guidance, assessing performance, and making strategic hiring decisions. They will play a critical role in motivating local teams to adapt to change. Creating a culture of continuous improvement, this key role fosters innovation, and drives initiatives to increase employee engagement and higher product quality and consistency.

“The Manufacturing Excellence Manager will bring missing expertise to our portfolio companies’ factories. It’s an opportunity to improve processes, maximize efficiencies and train people with new skills, making a significant impact on their daily operations and the company’s success” – Tobias Host, Practice Head of Manufacturing of Mutares

Mutares offers a dynamic international working environment and prides itself on fostering exceptional cooperation and teamwork. The Manufacturing Excellence Manager will join their ambitious and diverse team of operational professionals and work up to four days a week on-site at portfolio companies (generally Monday through Thursday) and one day (typically Friday) working from their office in Amsterdam or at home. This strategic role is an ideal fit for an entrepreneurial leader with a background in consulting and experience working in a manufacturing environment.

Interested?

Mutares is working with Top of Minds to fill this vacancy.
To express your interest, please contact Catherine Visch at catherinevisch@topofminds.com