PLANT DIRECTOR NETHERLANDS

Job Description : PLANT DIRECTOR NETHERLANDS FOR FMCG Open to International candidates The organization produces a wide range of high-volume consumer products, including mayonnaise, salad dressings, ketchup, and sauces, and supplies both retail and foodservice markets. The organization operates in a highly regulated food production environment where operational excellence, food safety, and consistent product quality are essential. The production facility plays a central role within the company's European activities and focuses on efficient production, strong quality control, and continuous improvement. As part of further operational development, the organization is seeking a Plant Director who will bear full ultimate responsibility for the production site and ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production, while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and compliance. The role involves building the entire production team, establishing processes and procedures, and making the plant operational from scratch. The Plant Director is responsible for starting up, directing, and managing all production activities at the site. The role combines operational leadership, people management, and continuous improvement with a strong focus on food safety, efficiency, and cost control. Operational leadership: setting up and managing all production activities and achieving production targets on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Team building: recruiting, hiring, and developing production teams, supervisors, and shift leaders. Production efficiency: optimal utilization of personnel, machines, and raw materials, and continuous improvement of performance and efficiency. Continuous improvement: implementing Lean manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and other improvement initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and reducing waste. Food safety and compliance: ensuring full compliance with food safety standards such as HACCP, BRCGS/IFS, GMP, and relevant EU regulations. Strict control of critical control points, particularly for emulsified products such as mayonnaise and dressings. Quality assurance: guaranteeing consistent product quality (taste, viscosity, and microbiological safety) and supporting internal and external audits. Leadership: coaching and developing production teams, with a focus on a strong safety, quality, and performance culture. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE): compliance with safety regulations and promoting a zero-incident culture. Maintenance: setting up preventive and predictive maintenance programs in collaboration with technical teams to minimize downtime. Cost management: managing the factory budget, monitoring costs, and implementing improvement initiatives for cost reduction. Supply chain collaboration: coordination with purchasing and planning departments for timely availability of raw materials and packaging. Operational excellence: driving Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and 5S initiatives, including digitalization and smart factory developments. The Plant Director plays a key role in building, operationalizing, and optimizing the production site and contributes to the broader operational and commercial objectives of the organization. Bachelor in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar field (Master's is a plus). Approximately 25+ years of experience in food manufacturing Experience with emulsified products such as mayonnaise, dressings, or sauces is a plus. Minimum of 5 years of managerial experience as a Plant Manager, Production Manager, or similar senior operations role (ultimate responsibility is not a must); Solid technical knowledge of production processes such as mixing, pasteurizing, filling, and packaging. Experience with CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems and automated production lines. Thorough knowledge of food safety systems such as HACCP, BRCGS, IFS, GMP, and EU regulations. Experience with Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and continuous improvement methodologies. Familiarity with ERP systems and KPIs such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Strong leadership qualities and experience in building and developing teams. Results-oriented mindset with strong analytical and decision-making skills. Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management. Knowledge of sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental standards is a plus.

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