Head of Operations (m/f/d)

As “Head of Operations,” you serve as the link between our customers’ technical needs and our ability to deliver services and products. You have a thorough understanding of the requirements of the technical trade—specifically regarding parts and components—as well as the logistics processes of our customers and partners.

At Zilken, you will lead our core operational areas (including purchasing, order processing, and warehouse logistics) and ensure that we successfully deliver on our promise as a systems and process partner every day. You won’t be a “ivory-tower manager,” but rather an approachable partner and colleague who brings the growing team along, develops processes, and fosters a culture of reliability and shared growth.

‍

• Overall Operational Management: You are responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of goods and information from purchasing through to shipping at the Cologne location for regional and international customers. You ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly even as volumes increase.
• Living the spirit of a system partnership: You understand our customers’ supply models (e.g., Kanban, consignment stock, just-in-time, assembly kits) and optimize our internal processes so that we remain a reliable partner as a C-parts specialist.
• Team Leadership: You lead your team with empathy and clarity. You identify signs of burnout early on, establish efficient structures, and help your team grow into true experts and operational knowledge leaders.
• Inventory & Supplier Management: You balance high delivery capacity with cost-effective inventory levels. Thanks to your industry expertise, you and your team negotiate with suppliers as equals and ensure the availability of critical product categories.‍
• Interface Optimization: You will lead our well-established value chain—from procurement and order processing to logistics—and take it to the next level. Your focus will be on further refining existing processes, ensuring end-to-end consistency, and making sure that all departments can grow as an efficient, integrated unit alongside new employees.

• A background in technical trade: You have extensive experience in industrial and technical trade (PVH), C-parts management, or technical contract logistics. You understand what drives industrial customers.
• Product and Process Knowledge: You understand not only logistics but also the technical requirements of the products. Terms such as DIN/EN/ISO, material groups, batch traceability, and VMI are part of your daily routine.
• Leadership skills: You have successfully led and developed teams in the past. You view leadership as a service to the team: you remove obstacles so that your team can shine.
• Hands-on approach: You have strong strategic skills but are also willing to roll up your sleeves and get involved in day-to-day operations. You are pragmatic, solution-oriented, and able to maintain a clear overview even during hectic periods.

Business and Technical Background: A degree in business administration or engineering, or a business apprenticeship followed by relevant further training (e.g., Business Administration Specialist, Business Economist). Proficiency in using ERP systems and Office applications.

• Security & Prospects: A permanent position in a key leadership role at a rapidly growing medium-sized company.
• Freedom to shape your role: autonomy, flat hierarchies, and the opportunity to actively help shape Zilken’s future.
• Central location: A modern workplace in Cologne with excellent public transportation access.
• Attractive package: A salary structure commensurate with the responsibilities, as well as a dynamic work environment with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.
• Flexibility: Modern work schedules and the option to work remotely by arrangement.
• International Focus: An exciting role at the intersection of different areas, involving daily contact with global customers and suppliers.