Transfer Project Manager – Global Manufacturing Ramp-up (f/m/x)

Location: Oberkochen, München, Berlin, Jena, Zuidland

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Seeing beyond - future of medical technology

For more than 100 years, ZEISS medical technology has been driving progress in ophthalmology and microsurgery. In ophthalmology, our solutions help to maintain and improve people's vision at every stage of their lives. In microsurgery, our solutions enable targeted interventions on diseased tissue so that small and sensitive organs continue to function optimally. Medical technology from ZEISS supports medical professionals in improving the lives of patients worldwide. The fact that our actions have a direct impact on people's well-being is what drives us every day.

Join us in shaping the future of medical technology by leading a complex, international manufacturing transformation. You will drive the establishment and ramp-up of a new production site while ensuring a smooth transition from existing global manufacturing locations – safeguarding supply continuity, quality, and regulatory compliance throughout.

Your Role

• Own and continuously steer the end-to-end program roadmap, translating strategic objectives into executable plans, milestones, and deliverables
• Lead the integrated ramp-up of a new production site together with the Site Industrialization Project Lead, coordinating functions including Engineering, Operations, Quality, IT, Regulatory Affairs, HR, Finance, and Procurement
• Manage the transition of manufacturing activities from existing global sites while minimizing operational disruption and ensuring continuity of supply
• Establish effective program governance, including steering committees, cross-functional routines, clear RACI structures, decision-making processes, and transparent escalation paths
• Drive integrated progress on infrastructure, equipment commissioning, capability building, legal-entity setup, production licenses, and regulatory registrations
• Monitor program budget, risks, dependencies, and key decisions; initiate corrective actions and provide transparent reporting to senior stakeholders

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Natural Sciences, Business Administration, or a comparable field
• Extensive professional experience—ideally at least ten years—including proven leadership experience in operational, shopfloor-related project or program roles
• Demonstrated experience in international manufacturing site establishment, relocation, or transfer projects, preferably in greenfield or brownfield environments
• Hands-on expertise in manufacturing ramp-ups, covering equipment commissioning, process qualification, validation, documentation, and the stabilization of series production
• Strong experience leading cross-functional teams in regulated manufacturing environments; familiarity with ISO 13485, MDR, FDA quality systems, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma is highly valued
• Fluent English and willingness to work regularly—and increasingly—at the ramp-up location; German and/or Kannada language skills, international mobility, and flexibility across time zones are an advantage

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Norman Funk