Production Manager - Change (m/f/d)

Company Overview

STW Kautzmann GmbH is a leading manufacturer specializing in short fibers. With over a century of experience and an extensive product range, we ensure customers receive optimal solutions. Our fibers, manufactured exclusively in Germany, are used worldwide through a comprehensive sales network. Working at STW means more than just a job; we aim to retain our employees long-term by offering suitable development opportunities.

Position Summary

We are currently looking to strengthen our team with a Production Manager focusing on Change, Process Optimization, and Transformation, based at our Schenkenzell location. Your role will be central in driving structured improvements, enhancing processes, and establishing sustainable standards within our production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent evaluations and analyses of current production processes to identify and implement targeted improvements.
• Collaborate closely with adjacent departments such as production, maintenance, and logistics while contributing to the development of a structured Lean system.
• Spot efficiency potentials emphasizing sustainable process improvements and continuous enhancement of production performance.
• Lead improvement projects, from gathering and prioritizing initiatives, supporting trial runs and process modifications, to documenting and integrating successful outcomes into binding standards.
• Introduce, advance, and strictly enforce standards including work instructions, process parameters, setup and cleaning guidelines, as well as testing concepts to ensure consistent, stable, and reproducible production operations.
• Actively participate in industrializing and stabilizing production processes by reducing variability, minimizing defects and rework, and ensuring efficient material flow alongside optimal production layouts.
• Assess training needs arising from new standards and organizational changes, and conduct corresponding training sessions to ensure sustainable adoption.
• Fulfill traditional production manager tasks such as deputizing and supporting operational leadership within the production area.

Objectives

• Improve key production indicators including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Reduce setup times.
• Lower energy consumption per production unit.
• Achieve lasting process stability.
• Deliver measurable improvements on a monthly basis.

Candidate Profile

• A degree in engineering, production technology, industrial engineering, or an equivalent qualification.
• Several years of experience in manufacturing, process optimization, or Lean management.
• Familiarity with industrial production environments.
• Methodical and analytical work approach.
• Strong execution capabilities coupled with decisive decision-making.
• Ability to effectively embed changes sustainably within teams.

What We Offer

• Significant freedom for shaping processes and structures.
• Direct collaboration with company management.
• Opportunities to implement lasting improvements.
• Short decision-making channels.
• A key position of responsibility within production.

Our Commitment

We consider improvements successful only when their effects are demonstrable, documented, and permanently embedded in standards. Therefore, we seek a candidate who goes beyond analysis and drives tangible change consistently.