AI and Digitalization Operations Manager (m/f/d)

Job description

With around 9,000 employees, AGRANA is the global leader in fruit preparations and also a major producer of fruit juice concentrates in Europe as well as being a key manufacturer of customised starch products and organic ethanol in its Starch segment. AGRANA is also one of today’s leading sugar companies in Central and Eastern Europe. We are seeking a dedicated AI and Digitalization Operations Manager (m/f/d) to join our team as soon as possible on a full-time basis. In this role, you will drive the industrialization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across AGRANA's operations. You will identify, prioritize, and implement high-value AI use cases and ensure successful solutions are scaled across production sites, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, energy consumption, reliability, and safety. Your responsibilities: Identify and structure AI use cases in manufacturing operations based on business impact and feasibility. Lead AI pilot projects from scoping to implementation, including KPI definition, ROI tracking and operational relevance. Drive the transition from pilot to scalable solutions across multiple production sites. Act as the interface between Operations and the AI Center of Excellence, translating business needs into technical requirements. Collaborate closely with plant managers, engineers, operational teams, and AI technology experts to ensure adoption and integration into daily operations. Promote AI awareness and support change management and capability-building initiatives across Operations. Monitor and drive measurable improvements in operational efficiency, cost, energy consumption, product quality, and operational reliability. Your profile Master's degree in Engineering, Process Technology, Data Science, or a related field. Additional training in AI, advanced analytics, or digital technologies is an advantage. 7–12 years of experience in manufacturing, process industry, operational excellence, or a comparable environment. Proven experience in digitalization, data analytics, or AI-driven initiatives. Strong understanding of industrial processes, including production, maintenance, quality, and energy management. Experience leading cross-functional projects involving Operations and IT/OT. Experience scaling solutions across multiple sites is a strong advantage. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across all organizational levels. Fluency in English is required; German is preferred. Our offer Excellent occupational and personal development perspectives within an international group with headquarters in Austria A unique opportunity to shape the future of AI in manufacturing and drive tangible business impact. Diversified and interesting tasks in a dynamic team Various internal company benefits e.g. working from home, staff canteen, various sport and leisure-time activities, health care offers etc. Our attractive remuneration is based on current market salaries. You can expect an annual gross salary starting at EUR 70,000,- all in, whereby we are open to overpayment in the case of corresponding qualifications and experience. Contact Marlene EBNER | HR Business Partner Find out more about AGRANA Group and also visit us on LinkedIn . As a global company, we are very proud of our diverse workforce and attach great importance to equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation who is passionate about our company to apply. Have we caught your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your application.