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 Dordrecht operates at high volume with a team of around 500 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 Flexibility: 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