Ready to Revolutionize Global Manufacturing? Join Ekornes as Director of Operational Excellence!

Your Mission

As our Director of Operational Excellence, you’ll take the reins of Ekornes’ improvement agenda, driving change that impacts our entire global footprint. This is your chance to make a lasting impact, setting the standards for excellence in our supply chain and production, and our strategy for footprint and investments.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Change: Oversee transformative improvement projects from concept to completion, ensuring lasting impact on safety, quality, efficiency, leadership and sustainability
• Shape the Future: Develop and implement global frameworks for project management, process development, quality and investments
• Innovate & Optimize: Drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and footprint optimization
• Inspire & Empower: Lead a team of +20 talented professionals, cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and results-driven excellence
• Think Big: Collaborate with senior leaders to shape Ekornes’ long-term operational strategy and deliver real value
• The role also includes a fair amount of travel

Your Background

You’re a change agent, a strategist, and a hands-on leader with a proven track record in transforming operations. Here’s what you bring:

Education

• Relevant university degree, for example in engineering, economics, or industrial management

Experience

• At least 15 years of general work experience
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in operational excellence (e.g. Lean, process development) and project management
• At least 5 years of formal leadership experience
• Proven experience managing managers (leading other leaders)
• International experience, preferably in a similar role
• Experience in defining and implementing LEAN methodologies

Knowledge

• Strong financial skills and a deep understanding of production/supply chain economics
• Solid knowledge of relevant project management processes and frameworks
• Extensive knowledge of process improvement methods, such as LEAN
• Driver’s license
• Excellent English proficiency, both spoken and written

As the role involves frequent travel to Norway and other sites around the world, proximity to an airport is important

Why Ekornes?

Impact: Shape a global organization and lead a pivotal transformation that will redefine how we operate.

Innovation: Work on cutting-edge projects, from advanced manufacturing techniques to sustainable production solutions.

Flexibility: Choose your base – Norway, Sweden, or the Baltic region – with the freedom to manage your schedule and traveling.

Purpose: Join a company dedicated to improving everyday living while protecting the planet for future generations.

Your Opportunity

This isn’t just a role – it’s a call to action. Lead. Innovate. Transform. As a newly created role within a newly established function, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape and influence its direction from the ground up. At Ekornes, you’ll drive meaningful change while being part of a team that values creativity and excellence.

Application

If you match the profile described above, don’t hesitate to apply today! We conduct selection on an ongoing basis, which means the process may close before the final application deadline.

Please ensure you provide a detailed motivation explaining why you are the right candidate for this position and update your CV with the latest information.

Apply for the position by clicking on "Apply" and registering in our database, in compliance with GDPR regulations. Note: We would like to receive your application documents in English.