Head of Operations & Quality (m/f/d) Graz, Austria

At Headwall, we combine deep technological expertise with a highly collaborative and down-to-earth culture. We value curiosity over hierarchy, teamwork over ego, and practical solutions over unnecessary complexity. Our leaders are approachable, hands-on, and closely connected to their teams. If you enjoy building structures while staying close to people and the business, you will feel at home here.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Head of Operations & Quality to join our Graz site leadership team and play a central role in shaping the next phase of our organization.
Following our integration into an international, private equity-backed group, this role is critical to building a high-performing, structured, and scalable operations function that meets the demands of a growing global business. As a member of the site leadership team, you will work closely with colleagues across functions in a highly collaborative and low-hierarchy environment.

You will take ownership of quality, supply chain, manufacturing, and operational excellence, while establishing the systems, processes, and ways of working that enable teams to perform at their best and support sustainable growth.

This is a highly visible leadership role working closely with the Managing Director, Paul Fuchs, and global leadership teams.
We are looking for a hands-on and approachable leader who enjoys building and improving organizations, developing people, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Titles matter less to us than curiosity, and getting things done together.

Your Responsibilities

Own Quality & Compliance

• Take full ownership of the Quality Management System (ISO 9001)

• Strengthen audit readiness and drive a culture of quality and continuous improvement

• Lead root cause analyses and ensure effective and sustainable corrective actions

Transform Supply Chain & Sourcing

• Develop and implement a strategic sourcing and supplier management approach

• Introduce supplier performance metrics, structured reviews, and risk management practices

• Strengthen supply chain resilience and collaborate with global procurement teams

Lead Manufacturing through Structure

• Provide leadership and guidance to the Production Supervisor and operations team

• Improve production planning, operational visibility, and performance tracking

• Lead and support initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and delivery reliability

Build the Organization & Culture

• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and interfaces across operations

• Develop capabilities within the team and support long-term succession planning

• Create an environment where people feel empowered, supported, and accountable, enabling sustainable high performance

• Foster strong collaboration across functions and with international stakeholders

What Success Looks Like (First 12–24 Months)

• A transparent, KPI-driven operations setup is established

• The Quality Management System is strengthened and audit-ready

• Supplier performance and supply chain reliability are significantly improved

• Production performance is predictable, structured, and scalable

• Operations is recognized as a trusted, collaborative, and data-driven business partner

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field

• 8+ years of experience in operations, including leadership responsibilities across manufacturing, supply chain, and/or quality

• Proven track record in building or improving operational structures, systems, and processes

• Strong experience with ISO 9001 and quality management practices

• Experience in scaling organizations or working in international or multi-site environments is an advantage

• Hands-on, structured, and inclusive leadership style

• Strong analytical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills

• Fluent in English

• Experience within a technology manufacturing environment, including optics, photonics, instrumentation, electronics, sensors, medical devices, or other high-mix, low-volume industries would be a great plus

• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement training is appreciated

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape and scale the operations of a growing technology site as part of an international, private equity-backed group

• A role with high impact and visibility, working closely with the Managing Director and global leadership

• Working at the forefront of innovation in technology and research, creating real value in industries such as recycling, food, and textiles

• A flexible working environment with flexible working hours (no core hours) and a hybrid work model combining home and office work

• A collaborative, respectful, and supportive culture where different perspectives are valued and people are encouraged to contribute and grow

• A team that thinks outside the box, welcomes unconventional ideas, and pushes boundaries in a constructive and open way

• Attractive benefits including public transport subsidy, company pension scheme in accordance with §3/1/15a EStG, lunch allowance, free coffee, tea, fruit, and more

What to Expect in the Application Process

• Step 1 – Initial review
  We review your application documents and may schedule a short introductory video call. You can typically expect feedback within a few days.

• Step 2 – First interview
  A conversation with Paul Fuchs (Managing Director), Peter Dinauer (Production Supervisor & Technical Procurement) and Manuela Rosenzopf-Dietl (People & Culture) to get to know each other, discuss the role, and explore mutual expectations.

• Step 3 – Deep dive & team interaction
  A follow-up discussion with David Blair, COO, from the global leadership team with a focus on collaboration, working style, and practical scenarios.

• Ongoing communication
  We aim to maintain transparent and timely communication throughout the process and keep you informed at every stage.