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Artek is a Finnish design company, founded in Helsinki in 1935 by four young idealists: Alvar and Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen, and Nils-Gustav Hahl. Their goal was “to sell furniture and to promote a modern culture of living by exhibitions and other educational means.” In keeping with the radical spirit of its founders, Artek today remains an innovative player in the world of modern design, developing new products at the intersection of design, architecture, and art. The Artek collection consists of furniture, lighting, and accessories designed by Finnish masters and leading international designers. It stands for clarity, functionality, and poetic simplicity. 

For over 80 years, Artek’s products have enriched public spaces, museums, schools, restaurants, hotels, shops, as well as countless private homes all over the world. Since 2013 Artek has been part of the Swiss design company Vitra. With a small, yet dynamic and highly dedicated team, we aim to further develop Artek as an independent heritage brand within the international environment of the Vitra group.

Operational Excellence Manager f/m/d

Country/Region:  FI
City:  Littoinen
Level of Employment:  100%
Duration:  permanent
Required Travel:  0-25%
Company:  a-factory oy

Our common goal 

We are committed to launching high-quality products quickly and cost-effectively. As Operational Excellence Manager, you will play a key role in optimizing our production processes, driving cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring the success of our entire operational chain. Together, we aim to build a future of lean, agile, and value-driven operations. 

  

What you can expect 

  • Lead and implement development projects across production, logistics, quality and supply chain 

  • Introduce and continuously improve operational processes to support new product and technology launches 

  • Drive change initiatives and implement our Vitra Production System (VPS) 

  • Support, coordinate and run production and strategic projects  

  • Alignment with KPIs and strategic goals 

  • Manage cross-functional project teams and coordinate internal resources 

  • Facilitate ISO and TSO audits and ensure compliance across operational areas 

  • Coach and support supervisors to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement 

  • Ensure scheduled preventive machinery maintenance 

 

How you can convince 

  • Proven experience in leading complex projects within a global, interdisciplinary environment 

  • Strong analytical and communication skills, with a structured and organized approach 

  • Hands-on knowledge of production systems and process optimization 

  • Familiarity with tools such as SAP, Microsoft Office, and BI platforms (e.g., Power BI) 

  • A proactive mindset with the ability to drive change and foster collaboration 

  • Experience in wood processing or similar manufacturing industries is a plus 

  • Fluent in English and Finnish  

 

Enjoy working at Vitra 

  • We offer a dynamic, creative, and innovative environment and pursue a sustainable corporate strategy
  • Office design is our specialty - our work environment offers space for creativity including areas for focus time
  • Welcome to Vitra - our orientation and welcome program 
  • "How to work better" - our concept for the hybrid working world - enables mobile working in different facets 
  • We promote lifelong learning through our internal academy and target group-oriented talent management programs 
  • Benefit from attractive discounts on products from Vitra and Artek 

 

Do you still have doubts? 

You do not bring all the qualifications listed? 

 

Don't be discouraged: We are convinced that with an eager-to-learn, open-minded attitude, mountains can be moved. 

So, apply anyway and show us why you are the right person for this position. 

 

We are committed to promoting equal opportunities and living diversity. Your personality and expertise are the only factors that determine your suitability. 

 

Please note that we cannot accept applications via E-mail but kindly ask you to send it via our job portal. If you have any questions, Matěj Vondráček, Matej.Vondracek@vitra.com, will be happy to support.

 

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