0Head of Operational Excellence Germany - Innovation & Processes (m/f/d)
IRS Karosserie & Lack GmbH | Germany | 22xxx, 21xxx, 20xxx Hamburg | Permanent position | Full time | Published since: 21.05.2026 on stepstone.de

Head of Operational Excellence Germany - Innovation & Processes (m/f/d)


The IRS Group is the Europe-wide leading group in the areas of smart repair, bodywork and varnish repair and hail damage repair. Our recipe for success: the “We” – with 60 workshops throughout Germany and a strong central support from Hamburg. IRS Germany is looking for a person with a hands-on influence that sustainably improves, standardizes and develops the operating processes in the German workshops. The role combines operational process recording on site, concrete improvement work in the companies, leadership of a small team, as well as responsibility for central process modules such as costing, workshop standards, system usage, customer journey and innovation management. The focus is not on a purely conceptual staff function, but on a high-conversion operational role: The responsible person is deeply involved in the processes of the individual locations, identified vulnerabilities, developing pragmatic solutions together with the local teams and implementing them. A special focus is on the analysis and improvement of sites with under-average performance. At the same time, the role of IRS Deutschland's operating model is to contribute to a sustainable development – through consistent process standardisation, better use of existing systems, innovative methods in process management and targeted use of new technologies, digital solutions and AI-based approaches. .

Your tasks • Your profile • What we offer

Process recording and improvement in workshops Implementation of structured process recordings in German IRS workshops, in particular at low performance locations Analysis of operational processes along the entire value chain: order intake, calculation, part process, repair control, painting, quality assurance, delivery and post-processing Identification of bottlenecks, inefficiencies, quality problems and deviations from the target process Development of concrete measures to improve throughput times, productivity, quality, costs and customer satisfaction Close cooperation with branch lines, regional management and operational teams in implementing improvements Continuing the implementation of measures including clear responsibilities, timings and measurable effects Use of modern process management methods, lean/catetic approaches and data-based analyses for continuous improvement Standardization, Innovation and Operating Model Germany Development, description and implementation of a clear operational target for the German workshops Definition of best practice processes for central workshop processes Standardization of essential processes across the German site network Ensuring uniform and effective use of existing systems and tools in operational daily business Construction of a pragmatic process manual or Operating model approach for workshops Detection of training and implementation requirements for site and leadership teams Further development of the operating model through innovative methods, digital process approaches and modern control logics Identification and evaluation of new solutions, e.g. in the field of process digitalization, automation, AI support, data analysis or central service processes Translation of innovation in pragmatic, implementable solutions for the German workshop network Centralization and process responsibility Takeover of the technical last responsibility for selected centralized processes, in particular in the field of costing Development and implementation of a scalable model for central or standardized calculation processes Ensuring interfaces between workshops, central functions, IT, controlling and management Definition of clear roles, responsibilities and quality standards for centralised processes Continuous development of processes based on operational experience, KPI evaluations and technological possibilities Examination of how central processes can be more efficient and robust by better system usage, data quality, automation or AI-based applications Customer journey and operational excellence Analysis and Optimization of Customer Journey in German Business Improving customer processes from initial contact to vehicle return Identification of breaking points in communication, termination, repair status, quality and handover Development of practical standards to improve customer experience, transparency and reliability Linking customer-journey topics with workshop processes, system usage and operational control Use of digital and innovative approaches to improving customer communication, transparency and process speed Leadership and cooperation Discipline and professional leadership of a small team of about 3-4 employees, e.g. from process management, operational excellence, innovation or operational support Clear prioritization, control and development of the team Close cooperation with management Germany, regional lines, branch lines and central functions Sparring partners for operational executives in process, structural, innovation and performance issues Pragmatic translation of management goals into concrete operational measures on site Promoting a culture of continuous improvement, openness for new solutions and consistent implementation

Subject Complete studies, e.g. economic engineering, engineering, business management, vehicle technology or comparable qualification Approximately 5–10 years of relevant professional experience in operational, process-related or production-related roles Experience in the automotive environment, ideally from Tier 1 suppliers, workshop/service organisations, aftermarket, bodywork & lacquer or comparable operating networks Very good understanding of process management, lean management, operational excellence or continuous improvement Experience in recording, analysis and improvement of operational processes on site Understanding workshop, production or service processes with high operational timing Experience in the disciplined leadership of small teams or project teams Safe handling of KPIs, action plans and implementation control Experience with system usage, process digitization or standardization of operational processes Openness and ideally first experience in the use of innovative methods, digital tools, automation or AI-based applications in the operational environment Ability to assess new technological or methodological approaches pragmatically and translate them into feasible operational improvements Personal Embossed hand-on mentality and high presence in the area Pleasure to work directly in workshops and with operational teams Analytically strong but pragmatic in the reaction Ability to quickly understand processes, clearly name weaknesses and implement solutions Interest in innovation, modern systems and the sustainable development of operational business models Enforcement, binding and solution-oriented Good communication skills at different levels – from workshop team to management Entrepreneurial thinking and clear results Structured operation with high self-initiative Ability to design changes not only, but to anchor them sustainably in the organization Very good German knowledge, English knowledge of advantage High readiness for travel within Germany We are not looking for a pure staff or strategy person, but for someone with real implementation strength. The right person understands workshop or production processes, likes to go to the details on site, can work with branch lines and operating teams at eye level and simultaneously brings the structure to establish standards, systems and a clear operating model for a larger site network. The role is particularly suitable for people from the automotive, animal 1st, production, aftermarket or technical service environment, who have already improved operational processes, implemented lean/operational eccentric approaches and have collected first leadership experience. Important is less seniority over titles, but practical effect in the area, process understanding and the ability to measurably implement improvements. In addition, we are looking for a personality that is open to new methods and technologies and does not understand innovation as a theoretical topic of the future, but as a practical lever for improving processes, quality, speed, control and customer experience.

A central operational role in a workshop network across Germany The ability to improve processes visible and measurable High proximity to the management Germany Design space when building a clear operating model • Responsibility for a small team and central operational standards The possibility of anchoring innovative methods, systems and technologies in an operational network A practical transformation task with direct influence on results, quality and customer experience Corporate Benefits – up to 50% discount at over 1,500 brands Company Bike

Location

ava IRS Karosserie & Lack GmbH
22523  Hamburg
Germany

The text of this ad was translated from German into English using an automatic translation system and may contain semantic and lexical errors. Therefore, it should be used for introductory purposes only. For more detailed information, see the original text of the ad at the link below.

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