Operation Leader Europe (m/f/d)

We are NovaTaste - an independent and autonomous group of companies with headquarters in Salzburg, Austria and further locations in Europe, North America and Asia. We offer a wide range of ingredients - such as herbs, spices and active ingredients - for food manufacturers and the catering industry. With around 1,900 employees, we serve more than 16,000 customers worldwide. As an employee*, you can count on team spirit, flexibility, attractive career opportunities, international projects and numerous benefits.

The Vice President of Operations is responsible for overseeing the safety, production, supply chain, quality assurance, and operational efficiency of the company's food manufacturing and distribution processes in Europe. This leadership role ensures that all operations are conducted in a safe, cost-effective, and compliant manner while meeting the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

Tasks

• Health and Safety:
• Ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Implement and oversee health and safety programs and training.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.

• Operational Leadership
• Oversee the daily operations of the company’s production facilities.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Ensure all operations comply with food safety regulations and industry standards.

• Supply Chain Management
• Manage the end-to-end supply chain process, including inventory management, and distribution.
• Optimize logistics to reduce costs and improve delivery times.

• Quality Assurance
• Implement and maintain robust quality assurance processes to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Work closely with the QA team to address any quality issues and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and standards.

• Financial Management:
• Develop and manage the operations budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to achieve financial targets.
• Prepare and present operational performance reports to the regional business leadership team.

• Team Leadership and Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and workforce planning to meet operational needs.

• Strategic Planning
• Contribute to the development of the company’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and innovation.
• Lead initiatives to expand production capacity and enter new markets.

Skills

• Master’s degree in engineering. Business Administration preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations management, preferably in the food industry.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in ERP and supply chain management software.
• Strategic Thinking; Operational Excellence
• Leadership and Team Development
• Financial Acumen
• Quality and Compliance Management
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Communication and Negotiation

Benefits

• Inexpensive lunch catering in our excellent company restaurant, run by our award-winning chef
• Attractive employee conditions for the purchase of spices, vinegars, oils etc. in our shop as well as local discounts at various companies
• Physiotherapy with low deductible, company doctor, company pension scheme, company bike
• Flexible working hours thanks to an attractive flexitime model and home office option
• Flat organisational structures and short decision-making processes
• Varied field of activity as well as a constructive, productive and very innovative working environment in a successful international company

The minimum salary for this position is € 5.182,90 gross per month on a full-time basis (38.5 hours). A significant overpayment in line with your qualifications and experience is a matter of course for us.