Production Manager

As Production Manager you will lead the Production Team to deliver required production volumes and to meet or exceed site Key Performance Indicators (Safety, Quality, Cost, Volume, People Development and Customer Service) through a culture of continuous improvement. You are a member of the Site Management team and contribute to the development and execution of the site strategy. You will lead an organization of approximately 200 employees across four production areas, with four Process Owners as direct reports.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation of the manufacturing area to achieve safety, quality, cost and volume targets.

• Ensure implementation and enforcement of Safety, Quality and Operational standards (including FSQ, EHS and centerlining) and define/implement containment measures where required.

• Own production execution and KHMS compliance to established standards.

• Lead and develop the production leadership team (4 Process Owners and area teams) to deliver volumes and KPIs; plan and conduct performance reviews and drive development and improvement plans.

• Run and actively participate in production governance and meeting routines (level 3, KHMS Production Manager meeting, preview meeting) and coach L0–L2 meeting execution; key participant in daily L4.

• Drive Safety and Quality countermeasures through HIPO/SIRI meetings with QA and EHS pillar owners and ensure timely follow-up.

• Promote, capture and prioritize improvement ideas; manage progress of small modifications and engineering projects that improve performance and reduce cost.

• Ensure appropriate use of IPS/RCFA/IDA tools and that actions are executed according to triggers.

• Own production scheduling and order completion performance; work with Planning and Logistics to optimize resources and improve PTP/CTP and manhour-per-ton performance through daily/weekly routines.

• Coordinate Process Owners and Team Leaders to organize labor and ensure conformance to plan.

• Collaborate with Maintenance & Engineering to ensure efficient maintenance execution and project delivery to maximize manufacturing efficiency.

• Oversee people and workplace policies in line with HR guidelines, including relations with worker representatives, workplace health & safety and staff motivation.

• Forecast and plan staffing needs, training, selection and promotion activity for your organization.

• Lead investigation of deviations from standards and implement actions to close performance gaps.

• Own one or more QRMP standards and ensure their consistent application.

• Lead the production Masterplan to improve productivity, engagement and capability.

• Drive the strategic zero-loss journey using the KHMS Operational Excellence Playbook.

• Build strong operational teams through learning & development, training, and internal career planning.

Required qualifications and experience

• WO/HBO+ education; preferred backgrounds: Engineering, Food Technology or Business Administration with solid technical understanding.

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in operations, preferably in food production or a fast-moving production environment.

• Demonstrated experience with Lean / Operational Excellence methods.

• Knowledge of relevant safety, environmental and quality regulations and guidance.

• Proven leadership and change management capability with strong people development skills.

• Strong organisational, stakeholder management and communication skills (verbal and written) across all organisational levels.

• Results-driven, pragmatic and able to operate effectively under pressure.