Global Head of Operational Excellence

  • All Posting Locations: Amsterdam, Noord Holland, NL
  • Job Functions: Manufacturing
  • Date Published: July 25, 2025
  • Ref#: R-95058

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About the Role

Job Description

Role Overview:

As the Global Head of Operational Excellence you will spearhead efforts to elevate manufacturing performance.  Your work will play a pivotal role in driving the work of each site through target setting, system implementation, and subject-matter specific coaching so that each site delivers the manufacturing KPIs and matures in their KHMS (Kraft Heinz Management System) routines.  Your mission is to enhance safety, quality, service, productivity, and sustainability across our industrial processes by developing and implementing a global manufacturing improvement strategy rooted in best-in-class practices and excellence of execution every day in every plant.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for Operational excellence with a strong focus on continuous improvement systems, maintenance capabilities and digitalization.
  • Standardization: Continue to improve the Kraft-Heinz Management System (KHMS) globally, ensuring it serves as the foundation for best practices across all manufacturing plants by leading the team of pillar owners to refresh content to sustain best-in-class tools.  
  • Technology and Benchmarking: Leverage Best Available Techniques (BATs) for the food industry, identify world-class technologies and trends, and set global annual goals based on internal and external benchmarks.
  • Performance Optimization: Conduct performance gap analysis and identify systemic opportunities to consult and support geographical zones worldwide.
  • Leverage the Check to Coach processes to drive a continuous improvement culture that sustains and builds on gains. 
  • Provide governance on the Manufacturing KPIs at all levels (line to site to BU to Zone to Global)
  • Collaboration and Engagement: Partner with cross-functional teams to align benchmarking efforts with company goals, and engage with industry and standards development communities to keep abreast of emerging technologies and best practices.
  • Role Model: Be the voice of Manufacturing excellence for Kraft-Heinz both internally and externally by living the principles of continuous improvement.  Create a large network to build the KHMS leaders of the future within Kraft-Heinz.  

This role is an opportunity for an inspirational leader to drive operational transformation, incent excellence, and leave an enduring impact across a global organization.

Recipe for Success

  • A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with a demonstrated track record of driving operational efficiency and achieving measurable improvements.
  • Leadership roles in Manufacturing, Maintenance, and/or Engineering across multiple sites is strongly preferred.
  • An results-focused mindset, with a proactive approach to innovate and continuously improve.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions.

What we offer you:

  • An ambitious employer; we only want the best for you.
  • A fast career track like only few other companies can match.
  • A competitive salary and excellent bonus structure (above market); at KraftHeinz we strongly believe and live by ownership and meritocracy.
  • Additional benefits such as Commuting Allowance, Hybrid Work Allowance & Reimbursements, Bicycle & Gym Discount Plan, Employee Assistance Program and Supplemental Health Insurance.
  • A wide range of discounts with KraftHeinz’s partnerships on fashion, electronics, travels and many more!
  • Last and not least; there are always room for new insights: If you have an idea, please let us know, and we can set it in action!

Location(s)

Amsterdam

 

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.

Digital at Kraft Heinz

The
Builders

Our Digital team empowers every aspect of our business.

Discovering what’s next in food using Python, Azure ML and Alteryx. Building and designing apps. Improving our supply chain.

We’re bringing agility to beloved brands across the globe — making life delicious for our customers and communities, today and tomorrow.

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HR at Kraft Heinz

The
Facilitators

People are what makes Kraft Heinz great. Today. And tomorrow.

In Human Resources, we’re finding and developing great talent to continue our legacy. We’re here for every colleague, for their performance and their wellbeing.

Together, we’re helping everyone to grow their own way.

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Manufacturing at Kraft Heinz

The
Makers

Our Manufacturing team is a fully-integrated end-to-end supply chain. We’re the backbone of Kraft Heinz. The people behind the products, delivering the highest quality and value.

Whether you’re a seasoned manufacturing veteran or new to the world of plants, there’s tons of opportunity for career growth and development.

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Marketing at Kraft Heinz

The
Strategizers

Our Marketing team are the voice of our consumers. Connecting the right people, to the right products, with the right messages and campaigns.

We’re the architects of category growth, making sure our brands are front and center — winning the battle for attention in the minds of people everywhere.

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R&D at Kraft Heinz

The
Creators

Our Research and Development team creates high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets us up in the morning!

Whether you want to develop your technical skills or grow as a people manager, there’s a place for you here to advance your career.

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Sales at Kraft Heinz

The
Connectors

Our Sales team drives multibillion dollar distribution strategies. And we do this across channels and across the whole world!

We thrive wherever consumers can meet iconic and innovative brands — in retail, on-trade, and B2B. We’re the closest people to our customers, getting our products to the right people, in the right places.

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Hear from
our people

“Kraft Heinz doesn’t just talk about their values, they live it every day.”

Traci
Senior Customer Sales Manager

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Hear from
our people

“The best is yet to come at Kraft Heinz. I’ve experienced the launch of a new purpose, new vision and values. Now I’m seeing all of those things truly take shape and that is very exciting.”

Michael
Associate Director Pension

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Hear from
our people

“The best thing about working at Kraft Heinz are the benefits and opportunities for growth and career development.”

Manetta
Talent acquisition Specialist

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About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage.  Our emerging and iconic food and beverage brands deliver the best taste, fun, and quality to every table we touch. Worldwide.

We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. Consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress. As we drive innovation company-wide.

Our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We believe in being good humans — working to improve our company, communities, and planet.

We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more thrilled about where we’re headed as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.

Why Us

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our iconic and nostalgic brands.

Good isn’t good enough. We choose greatness every day by making bold decisions and challenging what’s ordinary. All while celebrating our wins – and failures – as we work together to transform the future of food.

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