Maintenance Operations and Continuous Improvement Manager (Automated Site)

In a nutshell 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

• Hands-on leadership: 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.
• Strategic Value Stream Ownership: 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.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence: Lead site-wide Kaizen initiatives, Lean methodologies, and root-cause analyses to drive structural process enhancements and embed a culture of continuous improvement. Data-Driven Process &
• Automation Optimization: Analyze complex operational and maintenance workflows using data to eliminate bottlenecks, boost system reliability, and improve equipment availability alongside technical teams.
• Cross-Functional Strategic Alignment: Act as the strategic bridge between maintenance, our suppliers, planning, analysts, and operations to ensure seamless, end-to-end operational flow.
• Operational Standards & Governance: 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 You'll receive a competitive compensation package, including 25 vacation days per year to recharge your batteries The option to lease a car You’ll get freshly prepared, healthy breakfast, lunches (and dinner at the FC) as well as delicious 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 & legendary company events Many internal learning and development possibilities as well as professional soft skill & leadership trainings at a specialized external party We have Fulfilment Centres across The Netherlands in the following locations: Utrecht, Ridderkerk, Berkel en Rodenrijs, Dordrecht, Eindhoven, Zwolle, Heerenveen, Geldermalsen