About the role
From the employer’s listing · Teampicnic · posted 14 October 2026
<h2><strong>In a nutshell</strong></h2> <p>At Picnic, we run some of Europe’s 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.</p> <h2><strong>What you’ll do</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Hands-on leadership: </strong>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.</li> <li><strong>Strategic Value Stream Ownership:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence:</strong> 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 &</li> <li><strong>Automation Optimization: </strong>Analyze complex operational and maintenance workflows using data to eliminate bottlenecks, boost system reliability, and improve equipment availability alongside technical teams.</li> <li><strong>Cross-Functional Strategic Alignment: </strong>Act as the strategic bridge between maintenance, our suppliers, planning, analysts, and operations to ensure seamless, end-to-end operational flow.</li> <li><strong>Operational Standards & Governance:</strong> Oversee site-wide adherence to safety standards, 5S principles, and operational best practices without getting bogged down in daily engineering management.</li> </ul> <h2><strong>What you bring</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Master’s degree (MSc) in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related technical field.</li> <li>3+ years of experience focused on maintenance, operational strategy, continuous improvement, or process engineering.</li> <li>Strong interest in, or exposure to, automation, robotics, and facility maintenance systems.</li> <li>Proven track record in applying Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen frameworks in high-volume, automated environments.</li> <li>High analytical proficiency, with strong capability in data analysis tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel, SQL).</li> <li>Strategic mindset with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive high-level initiatives.</li> <li>Fluency in English (Dutch is a strong plus).</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Picnic perks</strong></h2> <ul> <li> <p>You'll receive a competitive compensation package, including 25 vacation days per year to recharge your batteries</p> </li> <li> <p>The option to lease a car</p> </li> <li> <p>You’ll get freshly prepared, healthy breakfast, lunches (and dinner at the FC) as well as delicious snacks and drinks available at all Picnic locations</p> </li> <li> <p>A flexible company pension plan called “Doenpensioen” at a.s.r.</p> </li> <li> <p>Picnic laptop and smartphone </p> </li> <li> <p>An awesome scale-up atmosphere with the freedom to drive your own projects and the opportunity to have an impact!</p> </li> <li> <p>The chance to work in an international environment with motivated team members & legendary company events</p> </li> <li> <p>Many internal learning and development possibilities as well as professional soft skill & leadership trainings at a specialized external party</p> </li> <li> <p>We have Fulfilment Centres across The Netherlands in the following locations: Utrecht, Ridderkerk, Berkel en Rodenrijs, Dordrecht, Eindhoven, Zwolle, Heerenveen, Geldermalsen</p> </li> </ul> <p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gqIXD4Z3_uo" width="560" height="314"></iframe></p>
Find Jobs in Netherlands on Arbeitnow