Operations manager

At ABB , we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world. This position reports to: Manufacturing Unit Manager __ Take the Lead of Operations in a Period of Significant Change • We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager who can combine strategic thinking, leadership, and day-to-day operational management. You will step into a key role during a time when our plant is undergoing major transformation – relocating to new, significantly larger premises in Blučina and transitioning gradually to a new manufacturing approach. • We currently have approximately 400 employees, with further growth expected next year. You will lead a team of approximately 8 direct reports managing various teams ranging from 3 to 200 people. Together with them, you will shape how our operations will function in this next phase of development. • We are looking for someone who is equally comfortable with strategy and hands-on manufacturing. Someone who can work with numbers and KPIs while also going directly to the shop floor, communicating clearly with people, and bringing them on board with the change. Your Responsibilities • You will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day functioning and performance of the plant. • You will lead and coordinate key operational areas across manufacturing, logistics, quality, planning, and technology. • Working with plant management, you will set strategic priorities and translate them into concrete action plans and measurable results. • You will be accountable for achieving key KPIs in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, costs, and resource utilization. • Your primary challenge will be successfully managing the plant relocation and preparing the organization and processes for the new manufacturing model. • You will identify opportunities to increase productivity, optimize material flows, reduce waste, and improve working capital efficiency. • You will collaborate closely with engineering, project management, planning, procurement, and other key functions. • You will lead and develop your management team, set clear priorities, and create an environment based on accountability, trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement. • You will have a visible presence on the shop floor. We expect leadership that is not just present in management meetings but also directly visible in manufacturing. What We're Looking For • An experienced manufacturing leader with proven results and the ability to lead people and drive change. • You have 12+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment and demonstrable experience leading teams. Experience managing managers (5+ years preferred) is important for this role. • You can combine long-term strategic thinking with day-to-day operational management and drive things to concrete results. • You make decisions based on data and understand KPIs, budgets, productivity, costs, and resource utilization. • You have experience in at least some areas such as manufacturing, planning, quality, logistics, supply chain, or continuous improvement. • You can lead people through change, set priorities, and earn the respect of your team. • It comes naturally to you to be a visible leader on the shop floor, communicating not just with managers but with people at individual workstations. • You can explain complex things simply and clearly, and can translate your requirements into language that everyone on the shop floor understands. • Czech fluency at a very high level is essential – we need someone who can communicate effectively across the entire organization, right down to shop floor workers. • You have a minimum C1 level of English, as you will communicate regularly with international teams and partners. • You have a university degree, ideally in a technical or economic field; relevant experience can be an adequate substitute. • An advantage is experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence methodologies. • Safety, responsibility, and ethical conduct are a natural part of your leadership approach. What This Role Offers You • Significant influence over the future direction of the plant and how its operations will function. • An opportunity to lead an organization currently growing from approximately 400 to 500 employees. • A key role in the plant relocation and implementation of the new manufacturing model. • Direct impact on manufacturing, quality, cost, and customer satisfaction results. • Collaboration across the entire organization and with international teams. • Opportunity to develop managers, their teams, and the overall operating culture. • A role with high levels of responsibility, visibility, and real impact on the plant's future development. Benefits Flexible working hours Option to work from home (Home Office) with a financial contribution Annual financial bonus Company car for personal use 25 days of vacation Annual salary review Opportunity for further career growth in the Czech Republic and worldwide MultiSport card Meal allowance Contribution to the benefits portal (2-3% of monthly salary) Referral bonus for recommending a new employee Opportunity for education – internal/external professional courses, language courses, and conferences Company events (Christmas party, team buildings, family days, and more) Assistance line – professional psychological counseling Additional leave for extraordinary life events and support for expectant parents Office with good transport accessibility Accident insurance Discounts on ABB electrical installation materials Discounts with our partners (electronics, gastronomy, car purchases, train travel, etc.) More about us ABB Smart Power provides energy distribution solutions for data centers, industrial and manufacturing plants, critical infrastructure and commercial buildings. The Division’s technical teams work closely with industry partners, delivering advanced solutions that support rapid growth, energy transition, and sustainability objectives. The Division’s portfolio includes industrial circuit breakers, low-voltage systems, motor starting applications, and safety devices like switches and relays. Its Power Protection unit supports the world’s largest data center companies with advanced energy-efficient UPS solutions. The Division’s ABB Ability™ Energy Manager provides a scalable, easy-to-use platform that helps organizations save energy and reduce CO2 emissions. Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences. Ready to make an impact? Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.