Head of Production
We are looking for a strong and hands-on Head of Production to lead the production organization at Oerlikon Fineparts Portugal
About the role
This is a high-impact leadership role for an operational leader who combines strong shopfloor presence, Lean discipline, data-driven decision-making and the ability to build a performance-oriented production culture.
You will lead the teams across Polishing, Galvanic finishing, PVD, Maintenance, Assembling and Supply Chain. Acting as operational deputy to the Head of Operations, you will help transform Cubimatéria into a modern, scalable and competitive production site for Oerlikon Luxury Fineparts.
Your mission
Your mission is to ensure stable daily production performance while driving the next level of productivity, quality, delivery reliability, Lean maturity and digitalization.
You will translate the site strategy into clear operational priorities, strengthen shopfloor routines, develop leaders and create the conditions for sustainable growth.
Your responsibiities
- Lead and develop the teams across Polishing, Galvanic finishing, PVD, Maintenance, Assembling and Supply Chain, ca. 70 employees
- Manage the end-to-end production flow from demand, planning and material availability through processing, quality release and on-time delivery.
- Drive Lean management, visual shopfloor routines, standard work, 5S, Kaizen, structured problem solving and bottleneck reduction.
- Improve productivity, lead time, OEE, yield, scrap, rework, delivery reliability, cost efficiency and process stability.
- Accelerate production digitalization through KPI dashboards, shopfloor data, planning tools, traceability, automation and AI-supported analytics.
- Ensure safe operations, HSE compliance and disciplined handling of chemicals, gases, precious metals and sensitive products.
- Collaborate closely with Industrial Engineering, Quality, Sales & Customer Service, HSE, HR, Finance, Procurement, IT and the wider Oerlikon Luxury network.
Your profile
- Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Management, Operations Management.
- 7–10 years of experience in an industrial production environment, including several years in a leadership role.
- Experience in surface finishing, polishing, galvanic processes, coatings, PVD, luxury goods, automotive, precision components or comparable high-quality manufacturing.
- Proven strength in Lean management, continuous improvement, KPI management, production optimization and leadership.
- Strong understanding of production planning, supply chain execution, maintenance priorities and cost management.
- Fluent Portuguese and strong English; French or Italian is an advantage.
- Ambition and potential to grow into a broader Head of Operations responsibility in the mid term.
Your leadership style
You are pragmatic, visible on the shopfloor and confident in making decisions.
You build trust through presence, clarity and consistency. You empower people, hold teams accountable and drive change with resilience, business orientation and a clear focus on results.
Why join Oerlikon?
At Oerlikon, you join a global technology company with a strong industrial heritage and a clear focus on innovation, operational excellence and sustainability.
In Oerlikon Luxury Fineparts, precision, quality, high volumen production and customer orientation matter every day.
This role offers:
- A visible leadership position with real operational impact.
- The opportunity to modernize a key production organization.
- International collaboration across Oerlikon Luxury.
- A strong platform for future career development.
- The chance to combine Lean, digitalization, AI-enabled improvement and hands-on production leadership.
Interested?
If you are ready to lead with impact, build high-performing teams and shape the future of production for Oerlikon Luxury Fineparts in Portugal, we look forward to your application.
Contact
Mélanie DE AMORIM
Mail: melanie.deamorim@oerlikon.com
About Oerlikon
Oerlikon is a global leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high‑performance materials, coating equipment and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, luxury, semiconductors and tooling. Head‑quartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon operates in 38 countries with approximately 10,000 employees, achieving sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2025.
We offer a wide variety of job profiles in a dynamic, supportive environment where people are empowered to grow and reach their full potential - guided by our core values of integrity, team spirit, excellence and innovation.
About Oerlikon Luxury
Oerlikon Luxury specializes in producing accessories for the high-end fashion industry. It comprises two brands: Oerlikon Riri, which produces branded Riri and Cobrax zippers and buttons respectively; and Oerlikon Fineparts, which offers metal components, fashion jewellery and surface treatments.
Oerlikon Luxury is headquartered in Mendrisio, Switzerland, counts 1100 employees at 11 sites located in Italy, Switzerland, France and Portugal as well as sales offices in New York, Paris and Shanghai.
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