Operation Manager

Shape the Future of Sustainable Paper and Packaging with Valmet

At Valmet, we are committed to leading the way in sustainable technologies and services for the paper and packaging industry. Our Cernay workshop is a key hub in the EMEA region, delivering roll covers and roll maintenance for paper, board, tissue, and pulp drying machines. With a team of 50 dedicated professionals, we support our customers across Europe with high-quality, innovative service solutions.

We are now looking for an Operation Manager to lead our operations in Cernay. This is a pivotal role within our Packaging & Paper (PAC) Services organization, offering the opportunity to drive operational excellence, safety, and team development in a dynamic, international environment.

As Operation Manager, you will be responsible for the full scope of operations—from order to delivery—ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and profitability. You will lead a team of 13 direct reports, including area managers, engineers, procurement staff, and maintenance technicians, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership

• Manage the workshop's budget, including cost control, hourly rates, and overall financial performance.
• Take proactive actions to ensure targets are met and exceeded.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure full compliance with HSE standards and actively lead safety initiatives.
• Oversee production quality, logistics, and warehousing efficiency.
• Develop and implement long-term operational strategies aligned with business goals.
• Drive Lean initiatives and continuous improvement across all areas.
• Strong cooperation with sales, including sales opportunity identification, business development support, and customer relationship management, to ensure operational alignment with commercial objectives.
• Collaborate closely with sales and supply chain teams to optimize growth and procurement costs.

Team Leadership & Customer Interface

• Lead, coach, and develop a diverse team of managers and specialists.
• Act as a key interface with customers, particularly in handling claims and service-related interactions.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or a related Engineering field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in workshop or production operations, with proven managerial responsibility.
• Strong background in the paper or pulp industry is highly preferred; alternatively, experience in heavy industry or service sectors such as plastics or other process industries will be considered.
• Strong leadership, people development, and change management skills.
• Fluent in French and English; knowledge of German will be considered a plus.
• Comfortable working with ERP systems, Microsoft tools, and data-driven decision-making (Power BI experience is a plus).
• Solid experience with Lean methodologies and operational development.
• Customer-oriented mindset with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to take on a leadership role in a strategic location within Valmet's EMEA operations. You will be part of a global organization driving innovation and sustainability in the paper and packaging industry. We offer a collaborative and international work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a tangible impact on our business and our customers.

Ready to take the next step?
Apply by February 6, 2026

When everything works together   
Valmet is where the best talent from a wide variety of backgrounds comes together. With over 19,000 professionals around the world, we are the leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries, and serve an even wider base of process industries with our automation systems and flow control solutions. Our commitment to moving our customers' performance forward requires creativity, technological innovations, service know-how – and above all, teamwork. 
Join the team