Department Manager Production / Quality (m/f/d) - Quantum Frontline Industries

Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI) is a newly established German-Ukrainian defence joint venture between Quantum Systems and Frontline Robotics, created under the Build with Ukraine initiative. For the first time, Ukrainian drones will be manufactured on an industrial scale in Europe, combining Ukrainian battlefield-proven technology with German industrial automation to create a new model of cross-border defence co-production: the German Model.

As Head of Department (m/f/d), you will be responsible for leading multiple teams through their Team Leads, ensuring operational excellence, high performance, and continuous improvement across your area of responsibility. You will act as the key link between daily operations and senior management, translating strategic objectives into measurable outcomes while driving collaboration, accountability, and scalable growth.

This role requires strong leadership capabilities, a solid understanding of technical and operational processes, and a data-driven mindset to support decision-making and organizational performance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What is Your Day to Day Mission?

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership and guidance to multiple Team Leads and coordinate their respective teams.

• Coach, mentor, and develop Team Leads to strengthen their leadership capabilities and professional growth.

• Support Team Leads in addressing team performance, employee development, and organizational challenges.

• Foster a consistent leadership culture and maintain high standards across all teams within your area of responsibility.

• Promote collaboration, accountability, and effective communication across functions and departments.

Performance & KPI Management

• Define, monitor, and continuously improve KPIs and operational performance metrics across all responsible teams.

• Analyze operational data, identify performance gaps, and implement effective corrective actions.

• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and management reviews to support informed decision-making.

• Drive a culture of fact-based, data-driven management and continuous improvement.

• Ensure alignment between team performance and overall business objectives.

Operational Management & Escalation

• Ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operations across all assigned teams.

• Act as the second escalation level for complex operational, technical, or process-related issues beyond the Team Lead level.

• Prioritize resources, workloads, and capacities across teams and projects to maximize operational effectiveness.

• Ensure compliance with company-wide processes, quality standards, and corporate policies.

• Identify opportunities for process optimization and drive initiatives that improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.

Strategy & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Translate company strategy into clear operational goals and priorities for your teams.

• Collaborate closely with other department leaders, functional teams, and senior management.

• Contribute to cross-functional projects, transformation initiatives, and business improvement programs.

• Represent your teams in management discussions and serve as a trusted partner for internal stakeholders.

• Support the development of scalable organizational structures to enable future growth and operational excellence.

What you bring to the team:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a comparable qualification.

• Several years of leadership experience with responsibility for multiple teams and/or Team Leads.

• Proven experience managing operational performance through KPIs, reporting systems, and performance metrics.

• Strong understanding of technical processes, operational workflows, and complex organizational structures.

• Experience building, developing, and scaling teams in a dynamic business environment.

• Hands-on experience with reporting tools, dashboards, and business intelligence platforms.

• Knowledge of performance management, organizational development, and change management methodologies.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a results-oriented mindset.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.

• Ability to make decisions and drive execution in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.

• High level of ownership, accountability, and entrepreneurial thinking.

• Professional communication skills in both German and English; Ukrainian language skills are a significant advantage.