Director of Operational Excellence

Ready to Revolutionize Global Manufacturing? Join Ekornes as Director of Operational Excellence!

About Ekornes
Ekornes is the Nordic region’s largest furniture producer. It is headquartered in Sykkylven, on the west coast of Norway. We design and manufacture furniture products that are marketed under the brand names Stressless®, Svane® and IMG. Stressless® is one of the world’s most well-known furniture brands, while the brands Ekornes® and Svane® are most famous in Norway. IMG is marketed mainly in the USA and Australia. Ekornes has 19 sales offices in 13 countries and more than 4,000 retail outlets serving 48 markets worldwide. In recent years, the company has generated sales revenues in excess of NOK 5 billion. We have 8 factories located in Norway, the USA, Thailand and Lithuania, and around 3,000 employees working together to make our customers’ lives even better. Our vision is this: We improve everyday living. With our passion for innovation, we know we do just that. We are constantly striving to develop optimal combinations of smart functionality and attractive designs – to maximise the comfort afforded by our armchairs, sofas, dining furniture and beds.

A good night’s sleep and the chance to recharge your batteries generates new energy every day. Having family and friends over for dinner is a source of joy and contentment. A moment’s relaxation frees the mind to reflect and makes you better able to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Your Mission
As our Director of Operational Excellence, you’ll take the reins of Ekornes’ improvement agenda, driving change that impacts our entire global footprint. This is your chance to make a lasting impact, setting the standards for excellence in our supply chain and production, and our strategy for footprint and investments.

What You’ll Do


- Lead the Change: Oversee transformative improvement projects from concept to completion, ensuring lasting impact on safety, quality, efficiency, leadership and sustainability
- Shape the Future: Develop and implement global frameworks for project management, process development, quality and investments
- Innovate & Optimize: Drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and footprint optimization
- Inspire & Empower: Lead a team of +20 talented professionals, cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and results-driven excellence
- Think Big: Collaborate with senior leaders to shape Ekornes’ long-term operational strategy and deliver real value
- The role also includes a fair amount of travel

Your Background You’re a change agent, a strategist, and a hands-on leader with a proven track record in transforming operations. Here’s what you bring:
Education

- Relevant university degree, for example in engineering, economics, or industrial management

Experience

- At least 15 years of general work experience
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in operational excellence (e.g. Lean, process development) and project management
- At least 5 years of formal leadership experience
- Proven experience managing managers (leading other leaders)
- International experience, preferably in a similar role
- Experience in defining and implementing LEAN methodologies

Knowledge

- Strong financial skills and a deep understanding of production/supply chain economics
- Solid knowledge of relevant project management processes and frameworks
- Extensive knowledge of process improvement methods, such as LEAN
- Driver’s license
- Excellent English proficiency, both spoken and written

As the role involves frequent travel to Norway and other sites around the world, proximity to an airport is important

Why Ekornes?
Impact: Shape a global organization and lead a pivotal transformation that will redefine how we operate.
Innovation: Work on cutting-edge projects, from advanced manufacturing techniques to sustainable production solutions.
Flexibility: Choose your base – Norway, Sweden, or the Baltic region – with the freedom to manage your schedule and traveling.
Purpose: Join a company dedicated to improving everyday living while protecting the planet for future generations.

Your Opportunity
This isn’t just a role – it’s a call to action. Lead. Innovate. Transform. As a newly created role within a newly established function, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape and influence its direction from the ground up. At Ekornes, you’ll drive meaningful change while being part of a team that values creativity and excellence.

Application
If you match the profile described above, don’t hesitate to apply today! We conduct selection on an ongoing basis, which means the process may close before the final application deadline.
Please ensure you provide a detailed motivation explaining why you are the right candidate for this position and update your CV with the latest information.
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For questions regarding the position or recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team:
Anastasia Almasidis, anastasia.almasidis@unikresurs.se or +46 790-984164
Daniel Edqvist, daniel.edqvist@unikresurs.se or +46 721-426923

Unik Resurs
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At Unik Resurs, you are always welcome to reach out to the responsible recruiter if you have questions about an advertised position. If this role isn’t the perfect match for you, feel free to contact us — together, we may find your dream job. We know the region and where your skills can make the greatest impact.
Good luck!