Maintenance Operations and Continuous Improvement Manager (Automated Site)

At Picnic, we run some of Europe’s most advanced automated grocery fulfilment centres, combining robotics, smart software, and a people-first culture. As Continuous Improvement and Operations Manager in our Maintenance Value Stream, you own the long-term strategic direction and continuous improvement of all material handling equipment on site. Working closely with the Site Manager, cross-functional engineering teams, and operational leaders, you translate high-level site goals into scalable improvement roadmaps, optimizing automated workflows while fostering operational excellence.

What you’ll do

• Lead the Maintenance value stream day-by-day, coaching Maintenance Engineers and Supervisors to effectively lead their teams and ensuring equipment availability targets are met with indirect leadership.
• Define and execute the long-term performance roadmap, taking full ownership of structural strategy and high-level KPIs across safety, quality, throughput, and operational efficiency.
• Lead site-wide Kaizen initiatives, Lean methodologies, and root-cause analyses to drive structural process enhancements and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Analyze complex operational and maintenance workflows using data to eliminate bottlenecks, boost system reliability, and improve equipment availability alongside technical teams.
• Act as the strategic bridge between maintenance, suppliers, planning, analysts, and operations to ensure seamless, end-to-end operational flow.
• Oversee site-wide adherence to safety standards, 5S principles, and operational best practices without getting bogged down in daily engineering management.

What you bring

• Master’s degree (MSc) in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience focused on maintenance, operational strategy, continuous improvement, or process engineering.
• Strong interest in, or exposure to, automation, robotics, and facility maintenance systems.
• Proven track record in applying Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen frameworks in high-volume, automated environments.
• High analytical proficiency, with strong capability in data analysis tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel, SQL).
• Strategic mindset with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive high-level initiatives.
• Fluency in English (Dutch is a strong plus).

Picnic perks

• Competitive compensation package, including 25 vacation days per year.
• The option to lease a car.
• Freshly prepared, healthy breakfast, lunches (and dinner at the FC), as well as snacks and drinks available at all Picnic locations.
• A flexible company pension plan called “Doenpensioen” at a.s.r.
• Picnic laptop and smartphone.
• An awesome scale-up atmosphere with the freedom to drive your own projects and the opportunity to have an impact.
• The chance to work in an international environment with motivated team members and legendary company events.
• Many internal learning and development possibilities as well as professional soft skill and leadership trainings at a specialized external party.