Business Operations Manager (m/f/d) (Saarbrücken, DE, 66129)

NovaTaste is a global leader in taste innovation, delivering customized culinary solutions and unforgettable flavor experiences. A broad portfolio of renowned brands across Europe and internationally combines extensive expertise in spices, seasoning blends, marinades, functional ingredients, and food cultures. With a customer-focused approach and global expertise, NovaTaste develops tailored solutions for food manufacturers, wholesalers, artisan businesses, and the foodservice industry. The company focuses on enhancing taste, texture, and shelf life while meeting sustainable and functional requirements. NovaTaste operates 21 sites across Europe, North America, and Asia and employs more than 2,400 people who serve over 12,000 customers worldwide.

As a Business Operations Manager (m/f/d), you will strengthen our team at Eppers in Saarbrücken. In this responsible role, you will manage, optimize, and coordinate cross-functional business processes, making a significant contribution to operational efficiency and the sustainable success of the company.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional activities involving Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Customer Service, Finance, Product Management, and HR
• Serve as the central point of contact for operational topics, including the identification, tracking, and escalation of critical issues
• Ensure efficient collaboration across departments and support smooth day-to-day business operations
• Optimize processes and eliminate communication and interface barriers to improve customer service and sales performance
• Support Sales and Marketing Management with reporting, KPI management, forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis
• Prepare reports, dashboards, management presentations, and decision-making materials
• Organize, facilitate, and follow up on meetings, business reviews, and performance discussions
• Coordinate pricing requests, commercial approval processes, and customer-related business matters
• Support pricing, margin, and profitability analyses in close cooperation with Sales and Finance
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, approval processes, and timely execution of commercial activities
• Analyze operational KPIs and implement initiatives to improve efficiency and performance
• Establish and maintain structured systems to track projects, actions, decisions, and deadlines
• Promote standardization, best practices, and operational excellence across commercial processes
• Coordinate and manage strategic and operational projects as well as cross-functional business initiatives
• Support product launches, customer projects, and commercial programs
• Monitor project progress, milestones, risks, and stakeholder communications
• Prepare meaningful status reports and ensure transparent information flow among all stakeholders
• Facilitate workshops and alignment sessions to resolve operational challenges
• Support Executive Management with strategic initiatives, special projects, and company-wide objectives
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders across all organizational levels

Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, Operations Management, or a comparable qualification
• Several years of professional experience in Commercial Operations, Sales Support, Project Management, Business Support, or similar coordinating roles
• Proven experience in managing cross-functional processes and projects involving multiple business functions
• Strong understanding of Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance processes
• Experience analyzing KPIs, reports, and performance metrics, with the ability to derive actionable recommendations
• Structured, analytical, and solution-oriented working style with strong initiative and execution capability
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Strong problem-solving skills, accountability, and a hands-on mentality
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work effectively across all organizational levels
• Experience collaborating with senior leaders and coordinating cross-functional teams
• Strong interpersonal skills, diplomatic approach, and a high level of customer and service orientation
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience with ERP, CRM, and reporting systems (e.g., SAP, Salesforce, Power BI, or similar tools)
• Strong capabilities in data analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking
• Sound understanding of process management, KPI governance, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Fluent German and very good English language skills, both written and spoken

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, pragmatic, and solution-oriented mindset
• High level of reliability, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Flexibility and resilience in a dynamic business environment
• Strong team spirit, communication skills, and the ability to align diverse interests
• Passion for driving operational excellence and actively shaping change

Benefits

• High degree of autonomy and responsibility
• Comprehensive onboarding and training
• Company car, also available for private use
• Diverse responsibilities with a high level of independence
• People-oriented corporate culture within a financially stable company
• Permanent full-time employment contract
• Performance-based compensation
• Employer contribution to a company pension scheme
• Weekly team lunch

As part of the NovaTaste Group, we offer you the stability and security of a successful international organization combined with the advantages of a medium-sized, family-oriented company. We look forward to receiving your application!