The risk of being good operationally but bad strategically
Juan Manuel analyzes why teams with tight processes and KPIs met can still lose if they don't connect operations with the business.
- 01Control without vision: operations treated as an end in itself.
- 02Looking beyond OEE and cost per unit: aligning every decision with profitability and customer service.
- 03Redefining the role of middle managers and translating business objectives into operational variables.
- 04Questioning well-executed projects that don't add value.
Juan Manuel Valcárcel, Inventia Kinetics · Spain
Juan Manuel Valcárcel Rosado is an engineer specialized in industrial automation and operations management, with more than 20 years of experience in high-tech, aerospace and advanced manufacturing companies. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at INVENTIA kinetics, where he leads the implementation of operational strategies, the supervision of key departments (IT, marketing, sales, finance) and the company's corporate expansion in Europe.
Leading operations isn't just controlling processes, it's understanding every gear in the system.
He began his career as a mechanical design engineer at CT Ingenieros and MACH SL, where he developed fluid-mechanical installation systems and tooling for the Airbus A380. Later, at Altran, he established himself as Tooling and Automation Manager, leading for more than 12 years turnkey projects for machines, assembly systems and industrial robotics for highly demanding sectors.
In industry, data speaks, but only if you listen to it with operational context.
At Skydweller Aero he was responsible for defining standard processes, industrial layout, improvement systems and the design of test benches and tooling. He later took on the role of Chief Operating Officer at PLD Space, where he oversaw critical infrastructure and operations for the development of reusable space launchers, aligning all areas of the company around a shared vision of growth and efficiency.
The COO isn't just a manager: they are an integrator of talent, technology and execution.
In 2020 he joined Deuser as Chief Commercial Officer, becoming part of the board of directors and leading global commercial activities. In addition, since 2017 he has been an associate professor at EDDM Engineering Education, actively contributing to the training of new generations of engineers specialized in mechanical design, additive manufacturing and automation.
Automating isn't replacing people, it's freeing their potential for more strategic tasks.
He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Operations Supervision and Management at Master D. Passionate about cinema and an enthusiastic follower of M&A financial operations in the industrial sector, his profile combines strategic vision, executive leadership and solid technical experience in high-demand environments.
Every factory can be a smart factory if technical knowledge is well connected with business vision.
Juan Manuel is a benchmark in the operational and technological transformation of industrial organizations, bringing a comprehensive vision that connects engineering, processes, people and business toward high performance and sustainable innovation.
General Manager · Inventia Kinetics
Episode 35 · Keru Podcast
