Maintenance Operations and Continuous Improvement Manager (Automated Site)

At Picnic we run some of Europes most advanced automated grocery fulfilment centres combining robotics smart software and a people-first culture. As Continuous Improvement and Operations Manager in our Maintenance Value Stream you own the long-term strategic direction and continuous improvement of all material handling equipment on site. Working closely with the Site Manager cross-functional engineering teams and operational leaders you translate high-level site goals into scalable improvement roadmaps optimizing automated workflows while fostering operational excellence.

• Hands-on leadership: Lead the Maintenance value stream day-by-day coaching Maintenance Engineers and Supervisors to effectively lead their teams and ensuring equipment availability targets are met with indirect leadership.
• Strategic Value Stream Ownership: Define and execute the long-term performance roadmap taking full ownership of structural strategy and high-level KPIs across safety quality throughput and operational efficiency.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence: Lead site-wide Kaizen initiatives Lean methodologies and root-cause analyses to drive structural process enhancements and embed a culture of continuous improvement. Data-Driven Process &
• Automation Optimization: Analyze complex operational and maintenance workflows using data to eliminate bottlenecks boost system reliability and improve equipment availability alongside technical teams.
• Cross-Functional Strategic Alignment: Act as the strategic bridge between maintenance our suppliers planning analysts and operations to ensure seamless end-to-end operational flow.
• Operational Standards & Governance: Oversee site-wide adherence to safety standards 5S principles and operational best practices without getting bogged down in daily engineering management.

• Masters degree (MSc) in Supply Chain Management Engineering or a related technical field.
• 3 years of experience focused on maintenance operational strategy continuous improvement or process engineering.
• Strong interest in or exposure to automation robotics and facility maintenance systems.
• Proven track record in applying Lean Six Sigma or Kaizen frameworks in high-volume automated environments.
• High analytical proficiency with strong capability in data analysis tools (e.g. Tableau Excel SQL).
• Strategic mindset with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive high-level initiatives.
• Fluency in English (Dutch is a strong plus).

• Youll receive a competitive compensation package including 25 vacation days per year to recharge your batteries

• The option to lease a car

• Youll get freshly prepared healthy breakfast lunches (and dinner at the FC) as well as delicious snacks and drinks available at all Picnic locations

• A flexible company pension plan called Doenpensioen at a.s.r.

• Picnic laptop and smartphone

• An awesome scale-up atmosphere with the freedom to drive your own projects and the opportunity to have an impact!

• The chance to work in an international environment with motivated team members & legendary company events

• Many internal learning and development possibilities as well as professional soft skill & leadership trainings at a specialized external party

• We have Fulfilment Centres across The Netherlands in the following locations: Utrecht Ridderkerk Berkel en Rodenrijs Dordrecht Eindhoven Zwolle Heerenveen Geldermalsen