Our client is a well-established industrial company headquartered in Germany, with a long-standing tradition in manufacturing and engineering excellence. As part of its strategic development, the company is currently in the process of establishing a new production entity in Serbia, with operations planned in the south of Serbia. This investment represents a relocation and expansion of selected activities from Germany, with a clear long-term perspective.
The Serbian operation will initially start on a smaller scale and is expected to grow to several dozen employees in the mid-term. The site will function as a supplier to the parent company, focusing on technically demanding processes such as complex assembly, metal works (including welding), coating, and control cabinet manufacturing. The overall objective is to build a reliable, high-quality production unit aligned with the standards and values of the headquarters.
This position offers a unique opportunity to take on a key leadership role from the very beginning – shaping the organization, building the team, and establishing processes and structures in close cooperation with the parent company in Germany. The role combines operational responsibility with strategic development and requires an interface with international stakeholders.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
Establishing and developing the local organization from the ground up
Building and leading a production team, including hiring, training, and development of employees
Ensuring smooth setup and ramp-up of production operations
Managing day-to-day operations with full responsibility for quality, delivery performance, and costs
Implementing and optimizing production processes in line with company standards
Close cooperation and regular alignment with the headquarters in Germany
Acting as a key interface between the Serbian entity and the parent company
Driving continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives
Ensuring compliance with legal regulations, company policies, and safety standards
Developing a strong, trust-based relationship with internal and external stakeholders
Willingness to travel to Germany for onboarding, training, and regular coordination
Professional qualifications:
University degree in Engineering (mechanical, industrial, or similar)
Mandatory several years of experience in a production leadership role, such as Plant Manager in a smaller facility or Production Manager in a larger industrial operation, within manufacturing environments (e.g. metal processing, assembly or similar industries)
Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes
Ability to take ownership and step into a broader management role
Experience in building and developing teams
Fluency in English is required; German language skills are an advantage but not mandatory
Personal profile:
Highly motivated, hands-on, and proactive personality
Strong sense of responsibility, ownership, and accountability
High level of integrity, reliability, and loyalty
Entrepreneurial mindset with the drive to build and develop a business
Flexibility and willingness to travel
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to build trust and maintain strong relationships
Ready to Find the Right People to Drive Real Value?
Let’s Talk.
Werte Executive Search d.o.o. Južni bulevar 41 A Belgrade, Serbia +381 11 457 51 58 office@werte-executive.com
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