Operational Excellence Manager

Who we are

We are a material company, focused on the innovation, development, and production of advanced materials and technologies. We are the living part inside products, we understand, characterize, manipulate, shape and integrate materials, unlocking extraordinary properties. Our extensive portfolio ranges from ultra-high vacuum and metallurgy technologies to chemical platforms and sub-microscopic materials. Our products find applications in diverse industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, medical device production, food industry, and aerospace. At SAES, we take pride in our technological diversification and our ability to endlessly innovate. This drives our commitment to ensure that futurized materials will enable circularity and preservation of our planet

Role Description

A strategic leader driving the evolution of business processes toward operational excellence.
With a systemic vision and strong leadership skills, this role is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

It plays a key part in enhancing performance and fostering a cultural transformation aligned with operational excellence.

The primary goal is to streamline business processes, boost efficiency, and support the organizational shift toward a culture of operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define the Operational Excellence strategy in alignment with corporate objectives.
• Support senior management in identifying strategic optimization opportunities by mapping and analyzing business processes to uncover inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement methodological frameworks (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Agile, Kaizen) and governance tools.
• Coordinate and oversee complex process improvement projects with cross-functional impact.
• Act as a change agent, promoting a culture of excellence focused on quality, efficiency, and innovation.
• Monitor and analyze operational and financial KPIs to assess the effectiveness of initiatives.
• Support process digitalization and the adoption of innovative technologies.
• Prepare reports and presentations for management on progress, results, and impact of initiatives.
•  Coordinate internal audits and benchmarking activities with other plants or companies within the Group.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Education: Master’s degree in industrial engineering
• Work Experience: 7-10 years in Operations Management and Operational Excellence program management, preferably within complex manufacturing companies

Soft Skills

• Strong leader being in close contact with the team
• Strong conflict management and empathetic listening skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong problem-solving skills
• Being able to work in a flexible and challenging environment

Technical Skills

• Expert in continuous improvement culture (e.g. project management, Lean manufacturing, Kaizen, 6-sigma, value stream mapping, Fish-Bone diagram, working capital optimization, TPM, SMED, 5S, VSM)
• Lean Six Sigma certification, Black Belt strongly preferred
• Strong Analytical skills
• Problem solver skills
• Good Project Management skills
• Able to quickly develop technical/process expertise
• Ability to positively influence teams in a matrix organization
• Able to organize training paths
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and data analysis tools (Power BI, Minitab, advanced Excel)

Language: Italian mother language and Business English.

Location:

Lainate, Milan, Lombardy, Italy

What we offer

A strategic position with high visibility and direct impact across the entire organization, contributing to key decisions and transformation initiatives.

An inspiring and innovative work environment, focused on continuous growth, collaboration, and professional development.

Contractual Information:

• Permanent
• Working Hours: Full-Time
• Remote Working: standard business hours with remote working options available
• Possible business trips abroad and in Italy

Our Commitment to Diversity:

At SAES Getters, we are committed to fostering a workplace that embraces all aspects of diversity and inclusion and where practices are equitable to ensure our people experience a sense of belonging. We respect and demand respect for all forms of culture, religion, gender identity, and personal preferences. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. You will be encouraged to bring your whole self to work and be supported to perform at your best.