Principal Product Manager Operations

Rohlík Group is one of Europe’s fastest-growing online grocery platforms, changing how people eat and live. Founded in 2014 in the Czech Republic, we’ve grown into a trusted brand with more than one million customers across Czechia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, and Romania.

Join us in building the future of e-grocery operations at a European scale. We are on a mission to create a winning operations model, leveraging cutting-edge automation, autonomous last-mile delivery, and AI-driven management systems.

You will work alongside top experts in Operations Research, AI, Warehousing and Logistics, tackling some of the most complex challenges in same-day delivery for 20,000+ products.

Our unique R&D teams specialize in simulation, optimization, and autonomous decision-making, designing the next generation of warehouse and last-mile automation. Whether it's enhancing robotic picking, optimizing AutoStore systems, or building the autonomous brain behind our entire fulfillment model, your work will directly shape the future of logistics innovation. If you're driven by disruptive innovations, process optimisation, data, and real-world impact, this is your opportunity to make a difference in one of Europe’s most advanced e-commerce operations.

Role Overview

The Principal Product Manager (PPM) is responsible for driving the strategy and execution of the assigned business stream within operations, leading multiple innovation projects, and ensuring the delivery of impactful improvements. This role oversees a team of Product Owners and Process Designers, aligning business objectives with other streams, technology, and operations teams to maximize efficiency and scalability.

The PPM collaborates closely with Engineering, Operations, and Data teams to define roadmaps, manage dependencies, and implement high-value initiatives. The role requires a balance of strategic thinking, hands-on execution, and strong leadership to drive measurable improvements in key operational KPIs.

What we expect from you / the position to perform

1. Business Stream Leadership & Strategy

• Owns the product strategy and success for a given business stream

• Defines long-term vision and ensures alignment with company-wide goals

• Identifies key operational constraints, inefficiencies, and automation opportunities

• Ensures business impact by setting measurable Input & Output KPIs for the stream

2. Leadership & Team Management

• Leads a team of 2 Senior Product Owners, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and priorities

• Provides mentorship, feedback, and career development opportunities to team members

• Ensures effective cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Operations, and Data teams

• Ensures the team's skills are aligned with the business needs and ambitions

3. Execution & Delivery

• Oversees the execution of multiple innovation projects within the business stream.

• Facilitates decision-making, prioritization, and trade-off analysis to maximize value delivery

• Partner closely with Engineering and Operational Excellence to ensure on-time and high-quality implementation of product features and process improvements

• Aligns multiple squads and stakeholders to remove bottlenecks and drive results

4. Data-Driven Decision Making

• Uses data analytics to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for automation

• Defines and monitors input and output metrics to measure business impact

• Leads A/B tests, pilot programs, and post-implementation audits to validate effectiveness

5. Stakeholder & Change Management

• Ensures effective communication across departments and leadership to align expectations

• Owns the management of the change process, including documentation, training, and rollout strategies

• Drives collaboration between product, engineering, and operations to balance technical feasibility and operational needs

What do we look for

• 7+ years of experience in product management, operations, or logistics

• Proven ability to lead multiple parallel projects and cross-functional teams

• Experience managing Product Owners or project teams in a high-growth environment.

• Strong understanding of warehouse automation, last-mile logistics, or supply chain operations.

• Deep expertise in process design, Lean, Six Sigma, and operational efficiency methodologies.

• Ability to analyze large datasets to drive decision-making and performance improvements.

• Strong stakeholder management skills – ability to work with Engineering, Operations, and Leadership.

• Proficiency in Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and working in an iterative environment.

• Advanced English (C1+), German or Czech is an advantage.

• Willingness to travel up to 30-50% to operational sites.

Nice to have

• experience with automation technology (AMRs, Autostore, Robotic Picking, shuttles etc.)

What’s in it for you

• Fair & competitive pay - A strong fixed salary with transparent rules. No hidden bonus games, your contribution is valued clearly.

• Daily meal support - You’ll receive €4/day in meal support for the company canteen to enjoy a warm lunch and keep your energy high.

• Life-friendly flexibility - Hybrid work options (depending on role), trust-based collaboration, and paid vacation days above statutory minimums.

• Grow with Gurkerl - We are scaling fast and you can grow with us just as quickly. Learn, own projects, and create real impact.

• Recognition & culture - Your efforts matter. Celebrate colleagues and be recognized through Bonusly credits for outstanding teamwork.

• Wellbeing & activity - Supportive working environment with opportunities for team events, challenges, and an office culture focused on wellbeing.

• Xtra membership - Free Gurkerl Xtra membership and exclusive benefits.

• Referral rewards - Help us hire great talent and enjoy rewards aligned with group referral policy.

• Team spirit - A friendly, supportive team that acts quickly, helps each other, and celebrates together.

#Gurkerl #LI-ML1