Maintenance Operations and Continuous Improvement Manager (Automated Site)

📍Rotterdam

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

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