Patria is a workplace where you build common security. At Patria, ordinary people solve extraordinary challenges. When it comes to critical operations on land, sea and air, expertise is vital. Quality is in people – in each and every one of us. You make the difference.

Patria is a trusted international provider of customer-centric defence, security and aviation life cycle support services and technology solutions with a strong growth strategy. For more information, please visit www.patriagroup.com.

Join Patria and Shape the Future of European Defence Mobility

Patria Protected Mobility is a leading European provider of armoured vehicle solutions, delivering advanced mobility capabilities to defence forces across Europe and beyond. Our portfolio includes the combat-proven Patria 6x6 and Patria AMV XP platforms, responding to modern defence needs through innovation, reliability and close cooperation with customers and industry partners.

We are now expanding our operations across Europe, including in Germany, where we are supporting the Bundeswehr through the multinational CAVS programme and establishing local production capabilities in close cooperation with German industry partners.

The Patria 6x6 vehicle has been selected as the platform for the multinational CAVS (Common Armoured Vehicle System) programme, involving Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom. Led by Finland, the programme aims to strengthen European defence capabilities and NATO cooperation. For more information, please visit https://www.patriagroup.com/about-us/research-and-innovations/common-armoured-vehicle-system-cavs-programme

We are looking for an experienced and driven

Director, Operations (Germany)

to manage production operations and industrial partnerships in support of the German CAVS programme.

In this strategic role, you will oversee vehicle production activities across multiple partner facilities in Germany and play a key role in establishing and scaling local manufacturing capabilities. Working at the intersection of production, sourcing, logistics, procurement and technology transfer, you will ensure successful programme execution and operational excellence.

The position takes place in Freisen, but some travelling inside Germany is required.

Your Responsibilities

As Director, Operations, you will monitor the performance of our partners in vehicle production operations across partner facilities in Germany and drive the successful ramp-up and implementation of the German CAVS programme.

You will coordinate activities between sourcing, procurement, logistics, technology transfer teams and production partners to ensure seamless execution across the value chain. You will also manage Patria’s supplier and partner network in Germany, ensuring effective collaboration, clear responsibilities and strong operational alignment across external production partners.

The role also includes developing and managing vendor and supplier partnerships that support production, industrialisation and business objectives, as well as representing supplier performance, production readiness and logistics topics in customer and stakeholder discussions.

You will be responsible for ensuring that delivery performance, production quality, operational efficiency and cost targets are consistently achieved. This includes aligning production capacity with programme requirements and future business growth, identifying operational risks, bottlenecks and investment needs, and driving corrective actions when needed.

What We Are Looking For

You have experience in complex manufacturing environments, and you understand production processes and supply chains. You thrive in dynamic growth situations, enjoy solving challenges and have a proven ability to build high-performing industrial operations through collaboration and leadership. You have excellent networking skills, and you can take ownership in even difficult situations where the solution isn’t always obvious.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, or a related field.

• Proven experience in production operations within industrial manufacturing environments, as well as in managing industrial or delivery projects.

• Experience in the defence industry, automotive sector, heavy machinery manufacturing, industrial projects or a comparable field.

• Experience in production ramp-ups, industrial scaling, operational development and delivery project management.

• Strong understanding of supply chains, production management, logistics, and manufacturing processes.

• Ability to report on production progress, project deliverables, milestones, risks and performance against agreed targets.

• Familiarity of cooperating closely with internal stakeholders, customers, suppliers and industrial partners to ensure alignment and resolve operational issues.

• Experience in intercultural leadership and international collaboration.

• Fluency in German and English, both written and spoken.

• Willingness to travel within Germany and internationally.

Why Join Patria?

At Patria, you will have the opportunity to contribute to one of Europe’s most significant defence mobility programmes and play a key role in strengthening European defence capabilities. You will work in an international environment alongside experienced professionals and industry-leading partners, helping to build Germany’s future armoured vehicle production capabilities.

We offer you

At Patria, you can build a long and versatile career with our unique products and services. In this position, you will have a meaningful opportunity to contribute to Patria’s international growth and help shape our future direction.

Would you like to be part of our story?

Please submit your application through our recruitment system by 25.10.2026. We review applications during the application period and will proceed with selections as soon as suitable candidates are found. Please note that we do not process applications sent by email.

For further information, please contact our recruiter Sari Rantanen at ext-sari.rantanen@patriagroup.com

We process all candidate information confidentially. A security clearance and drug test will be conducted for the selected candidate.