Manager Work Preparation

GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Our portfolio includes machinery and installations, as well as advanced process technology, components, and comprehensive services. Applied across various industries, they enhance sustainability and efficiency of production processes worldwide.
GEA is listed on Germany’s DAX index and the STOXX® Europe 600 Index, and is also included in the DAX 50 ESG and MSCI Global Sustainability indices.

Responsibilities / Tasks

• Lead the Work Preparation team and manage all activities related to industrialization of new and changed parts.
• Define and maintain manufacturing concepts, routings, operation times, and work centers for all relevant product families.
• Ensure workplace design, tools, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and material handling concepts enable safe, efficient, and ergonomic production.
• Plan and execute industrialization projects for transfers, new product introductions, and engineering changes in collaboration with Production, Planning, Quality, and Logistics.
• Secure high-quality technical master data in SAP and MES, including routings, BOM checks, work instructions, and workplace documentation.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive continuous improvement of processes, tool utilization, and material flow.
• Support OTIF (On-Time-In-Full), backlog reduction, and lead time improvements across production areas.
• Build, develop, and coach the Work Preparation team; set standards, KPIs, and ensure close cooperation with CNC Programming and other support functions.
• Establish state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to maintain price competitiveness.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams while fostering strong cross-functional cooperation.
• Capacity to analyze complex challenges, manage change effectively, and make decisions aligned with long-term goals.

Your Profile / Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Work Preparation, Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, or a comparable function in a metalworking or machinery manufacturing environment.
• University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a comparable technical discipline.
• Additional education in production management, lean management, or project management is an advantage.
• Proven track record in leading teams and delivering industrialization projects, transfers, and engineering changes in a multi-value stream setup.
• Strong know-how in routing and time calculation, workplace and material handling design, tooling and fixture concepts, and cooperation with Planning, Quality, and Logistics.
• Experience with SAP (R/3 MM; PP) routing and BOM structures and with MES systems, as well as structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methods.

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