At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global operational excellence initiatives and drive transformation across our service network.
- Company: Sulzer, a leading engineering company with over 180 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid role, competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and 33 days leave.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with continuous learning opportunities and a commitment to sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on efficiency and customer experience in a global organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in Operational Excellence and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.
About the role
Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering, with over 180 years of innovation, operating across more than 160 locations worldwide and generating annual revenues in excess of CHF 3.5 billion. Within our Services legal entity, we specialise in the maintenance, repair, upgrade, and optimisation of rotating equipment such as pumps, turbines, motors, and compressors. We work with customers across energy, oil & gas, chemicals, water, and industrial sectors to keep essential infrastructure running efficiently, reliably, and sustainably—reducing downtime, extending asset life, and improving performance worldwide.
As we continue to strengthen our global operations, we are now seeking a Global Operational Excellence Development Manager to help drive transformation across our international service network, embedding best practice, improving efficiency, and enhancing customer experience at scale.
In this role you will be accountable for:
- Lead and roll out global operational excellence initiatives across our Services business
- Drive process standardisation, optimisation, and digitalisation across end-to-end value chains
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve customer experience, efficiency, and profitability
- Partner with stakeholders across regions to translate strategy into execution
- Deliver medium to large-scale transformation projects in a global, decentralised organisation
- Champion Lean methodologies and a continuous improvement mindset
- Develop frameworks, tools, and governance to sustain operational excellence
- Collaborate across Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain
To succeed in this role, you will need:
- Experience in Operational Excellence / Continuous Improvement / Operations Management
- Proven delivery of projects in international, matrix organisations
- Strong knowledge of process optimisation, Lean principles, and value chain improvement
- Experience with process digitalisation and IT-enabled transformation
- Understanding of business process modelling frameworks
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- Familiarity with ERP (SAP/D365) and CRM systems
- Background in industrial services, manufacturing, or engineering is preferred
Desirable:
- Service business experience
- Strategy / Management consulting background
- Exposure to rotating equipment or industrial markets
What we offer you:
- A hybrid role with occasional travel across regions (30–40% global travel)
- A competitive basic salary
- Annual personal bonus scheme based on company and personal performance
- Private Medical Insurance for yourself and partner through Aviva
- The option of a company car or cash allowance
- 33 days annual leave
- Defined pension contributions
- Access to Medicash helping you cover everyday health costs like dental optical and physiotherapy plus a range of wellbeing perks
- Confidential support via Employee Assistance Programmes
- Access to discounts on shopping entertainment lifestyle plus opportunity to apply for Costco membership
- Discounted personal car leasing for you your family and friends
- Long Service Awards celebrating your commitment
- Continuous learning opportunities through Sulzer Learning Pathways
As a Bronze Award holder of the MoD Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, we welcome and support veterans, reservists and Cadet Adult Volunteers with policies for training, camps and deployment, plus a growing internal military network.
Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.
Global Operational Excellence Development Manager employer: Sulzer
Sulzer is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and operational excellence within a diverse and inclusive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer continuous learning opportunities, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and generous annual leave, and the chance to work on impactful global projects that enhance customer experience and sustainability. Join us in a hybrid role that not only allows for professional development but also supports a healthy work-life balance through flexible working arrangements and travel opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Operational Excellence Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Sulzer on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Sulzer's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their mission of operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about specific situations where you've led transformation projects or improved processes—make those experiences shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Sulzer team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Operational Excellence Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Global Operational Excellence Development Manager. Highlight your experience in operational excellence and continuous improvement, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about operational excellence and how your skills align with our mission at Sulzer. Be specific about how you can contribute to our global team.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve efficiency or customer satisfaction? Share those numbers! We love seeing how you’ve made a tangible impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sulzer
✨Know Your Lean Principles
Make sure you brush up on Lean methodologies and continuous improvement strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in past roles, especially in operational excellence or process optimisation.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare specific examples of medium to large-scale transformation projects you've led or contributed to. Highlight your role in driving process standardisation and digitalisation, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Think about how you've successfully engaged stakeholders in previous positions. Be prepared to share strategies you've used to influence and collaborate across different teams, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with Sulzer's operations and the industries they serve. Knowing their challenges and how your skills can help improve customer experience and efficiency will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
