Operations Transformation Leader

Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is a leader in technology and innovation, committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions such as excavators, wheel loaders, and crawler cranes across a wide range of industries. With a rich history and a forward-looking approach, Hitachi aims to address global challenges through its advanced technologies and services.

The organization is undergoing a significant transition from being supply-driven to market-driven, making data analysis and IT crucial at the strategic level.

Hitachi Construction Machinery is searching for an Operations Transformation Leader who will play a crucial role in reshaping operations, optimizing logistics, and driving efficiency, cultural, and behavioural improvements within manufacturing environments. This is someone who is excited to join Hitachi, eager to make a difference, and determined to leave a meaningful footprint within the organization.

This position will preferably be based in Amsterdam, with the possibility of working on a hybrid basis. For international candidates, a relocation allowance can be provided, along with support in finding accommodation in the Amstelveen/Amsterdam area.

Main goal of the position

The HCME production site is undergoing both a physical and cultural transformation. With a new factory layout in development and a strategic shift from supply-driven to customer-driven operations, Hitachi is seeking an Operations Transformation Leader to take the lead in this complex and high-impact journey.

The Operations Transformation Leader will lead strategic operational projects, including warehouse optimization, lean process initiatives, and system (e.g. SAP) implementations or enhancements. The candidate will drive productivity improvements, enhance coordination between the warehouse, production planning, and assembly, and support the transition of operations from monthly to weekly cycles.

The position

In this role, you will lead the redesign of warehouse operations, including the evaluation and execution of a potential outsourcing strategy in partnership with external specialists. At the same time, you will play a vital role in planning and implementing our new factory layout, ensuring it enhances both workflow and efficiency across the entire operation.

You will support the transition of Hitachi's production cycles from monthly to weekly rhythms - a shift aimed at making the organization more agile and responsive to demand.

This includes coaching teams, refining workflows, and introducing smart metrics and dashboards that make progress visible and actionable.

Beyond the technical transformation, you will also address deeper cultural challenges. You will work to shift mindsets, build engagement within an ageing workforce, and combat absenteeism by creating a working environment that is structured, meaningful, and motivating. You are not just changing processes - you are changing how people think and work.

The profile

• bachelor's or master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field;
• experienced in project management, stakeholder engagement, and change leadership;
• certified in lean and continuous improvement practices - Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent;
• substantial experience leading re-layout projects in a manufacturing environment, with deep familiarity with assembly-driven production, particularly in low-volume, high capital-intensity contexts;
• proven track record of optimizing both processes and logistics;
• fluent in English, and preferably able to operate in Dutch or willing to learn it; you understand that transformation only succeeds when it is inclusive, transparent, and consistent.

Procedure

There will be several interview rounds with discussion partners at Lodiers & Partners (weeks 25 and 26), followed by interviews with our client (weeks 27 and 28). A personality questionnaire (Lumina) will be part of the selection process.

Contact

For more information or to apply, please contact Mirjam Jager at or by phone at 6 .