Continuous Improvement and Value Stream Operations Manager (Automated Site)

At Picnic, we run some of Europe’s most advanced automated grocery fulfilment centres, combining robotics, smart software, and a people-first culture. As a Continuous Improvement and Value Stream Operations Manager, you own a key part of the operation, leading multiple teams across shifts to deliver on safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. You work closely with the Site Manager and other Operations managers to turn site goals into daily action, develop strong operational leaders, and help build a high-performing, scalable operation. 

Our site in Utrecht operates at high volume with a team of 500-1000 colleagues, giving you the opportunity to lead in a complex, automated fulfilment environment.

What you’ll do 

• End-to-End Ownership: Take full responsibility for the long-term performance and KPI roadmap of your value stream, defining strategy and driving structural improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency.

• Hands-on Leadership: Lead the value stream day to day, coaching supervisors to effectively lead their captain teams, strengthening indirect leadership while ensuring performance targets are met. 

• Data-Driven Process Optimization: Analyze workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements that increase efficiency, flow, and reliability.

• Continuous Improvement: Lead daily Kaizen and improvement initiatives, embedding a culture of operational excellence and accountability.

• Operational Standards and Execution: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment, applying 5S principles and reinforcing consistent standards across your teams.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with maintenance, engineering, planning, analysts, and last-mile teams to ensure seamless end-to-end operations.

What you bring 

• University degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years leadership experience, preferably in warehouse or automated operations
• Hands-on experience in automated or semi-automated fulfilment environments
• Lean and continuous improvement experience in complex operations
• Comfortable managing high-volume, high-SKU workflows
• Proven ability to lead teams of leaders and drive results
• Strong analytical skills, with a high level of competence in data analysis tools such as Tableau and Excel
• Willingness to occasionally step into operational shifts to stay close to the operation and support the team
• Fluency in English and Dutch 
• Location Flexible: We have automated sites throughout the Netherlands in the following locations; Utrecht, Dordrecht and Ridderkerk. During your application we will consider together which site makes most sense for you to begin your journey at Picnic. We are a fast-paced, growing company and due to this we require location flexibility from our Operations team. 

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