Director Operations Electron Microscopy, Eindhoven

Director, Operations – Electron Microscopy

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll do meaningful work that has a real impact on a global scale. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer—and we support our teams with the resources and opportunities to achieve their full potential while solving some of the world's toughest challenges.

The Role

We are seeking a Director of Operations to lead manufacturing for our high-end Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM) product line. This is a critical leadership role responsible for delivering complex, high-value systems in a low-volume, high-mix, made-to-order manufacturing environment.

You will drive operational excellence, ensure quality and regulatory compliance, and lead continuous improvement initiatives while partnering cross-functionally to meet strategic business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end manufacturing operations for complex, high-tech capital equipment
• Drive performance in a low-volume, high-mix, build-to-order environment
• Ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and on-time delivery
• Champion continuous improvement, lean practices, and operational excellence
• Partner with engineering, supply chain, and commercial teams to deliver business outcomes
• Build and develop high-performing teams while fostering a culture of safety and quality

Key Requirements

• Essential: Proven experience in low-volume, high-mix manufacturing of made-to-order, large-scale capital equipment
• Advanced degree with 6+ years, or Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in high-tech industries
• Preferred fields of study: Engineering (including Electronics or Electro-Mechanical Engineering), Physics, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline
• Experience with P&L ownership and manufacturing performance management
• Strong knowledge of GMP, ISO, and regulatory standards
• Demonstrated success in leading continuous improvement and lean initiatives
• Experience operating in complex, matrixed organisations
• Strong financial, strategic planning, and business acumen
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience with ERP systems and digital manufacturing tools
• Ability to travel up to 25% (including international)