Senior Operations Manager (f/m/d)

Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.

As Senior Operations Manager (f/m/d), you will assume full strategic and operational responsibility for our manufacturing site, E.I.S. Electronics GmbH Bremerhaven. In this position, you will ensure that all manufacturing operations are run safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively while continuously developing and strengthening the organization. You will drive operational excellence, digitalization, capacity optimization, and sustainable growth, working closely with global leadership and cross-functional teams.

About the Position:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement operational strategy, objectives, and standard procedures across one or multiple manufacturing sites.
• Support S&OP reviews and build operational setups enabling growth, flexibility, and market-aligned execution.
• Lead capex planning for equipment modernization and lifecycle management.
• Own digitization roadmap (MES, IoT, predictive maintenance) across sites.

Operational Execution

• Ensure all facilities operate safely, compliantly, productively, and cost-effectively.
• Drive lean management, continuous improvement, and waste reduction.
• Own productivity improvement, capacity optimization, and performance turnaround initiatives.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and engagement; own real-time dashboard/reporting infrastructure and data integrity.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and cost control for financial discipline.
• Lead new product introduction (NPI) and technology transfer risk assessments, including site transfers (e.g., Kanpur).
• Own energy, emissions, and waste KPIs as part of ESG/sustainability commitments.

People & Culture

• Build, lead, and develop high-performing teams via coaching, succession planning, and talent development.
• Evaluate staffing needs and ensure proper resource planning.
• Champion diversity, inclusion, and engagement initiatives.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

Risk & Continuity

• Identify operational risks, bottlenecks, and escalation topics; implement corrective actions.
• Organize backup solutions and contingency plans to protect customer deliveries from disruptions or capacity shortages.
• Build, maintain, and execute Business Continuity Plans (BCP) across locations.
• Support audit readiness and compliance with internal/external standards.

Cross-Functional & Customer Engagement

• Partner with senior leadership, finance, quality, supply chain, HR, and plant management to align execution with business goals.
• Act as primary escalation contact for key customer/partner executives on operational issues.
• Lead cross-functional projects in process standardization, automation, and operational excellence

About You:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Production Engineering, or a related field.
• Alternatively, extensive relevant professional experience combined with advanced professional qualifications.
• Several years of leadership and management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership presence with a proven ability to drive results and build high-performing organizations.
• Fluent German language skills at a native level and business-fluent English proficiency.
• Strong analytical capabilities, strategic thinking, and a business-oriented mindset.
• Structured, self-driven, and results-oriented working style with a strong hands-on mentality.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Change Management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ERP and enterprise resource planning systems.
• High level of accountability, resilience, innovative thinking, and excellent communication skills.

#LI-DR

At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.