Our client is an international industrial group operating in the food manufacturing sector, with a strong presence across European markets and a long-standing heritage in the production of high-quality dairy-based desserts.The role will be based in one of the group’s most important manufacturing sites in Italy, both in terms of production volumes and historical relevance within the organization.The company is seeking a Plant Operations Manager who will play a key role in ensuring operational performance, production continuity and the ongoing development of the plant organization.The role reports directly to the Supply Chain Director, based at the same site.The Plant Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day manufacturing operations of the site, ensuring the effective execution of the production plan while maintaining high standards of efficiency, quality, food safety and operational reliability.The position is fully dedicated to plant operations management, with responsibility for coordinating production activities, optimizing operational performance and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
* Ensure the effective execution of the production plan across the plant.
* Coordinate operational activities across key departments, including:
o Preparation of internal semi-finished products
o Filling operations
o Packaging of finished products
* Organize and manage the workforce across production areas to ensure optimal operational flow.
* Supervise sanitation activities within production areas, including coordination with external service providers.
* Ensure production continuity and operational stability across manufacturing lines.
* Collaborate closely with key plant stakeholders including logistics, maintenance and support functions.
Production Efficiency & Continuous Improvement
* Drive initiatives aimed at improving manufacturing performance and operational efficiency.
* Optimize set-up and changeover times across production lines.
* Support initiatives aimed at reducing operational waste and improving line efficiency.
* Contribute to the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement programs.
* Promote a culture of operational excellence across the plant.
New Products & Industrialization
* Support the industrialization of new products and processes in collaboration with R&D and Engineering.
* Oversee the analysis of production methods, timings and operational performance.
* Define and maintain clear operational procedures and work instructions to ensure process efficiency and consistency.
Quality, Food Safety & HSE
* Collaborate with the Quality function to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements, including HACCP.
* Promote and reinforce a strong safety culture within the plant.
* Ensure compliance with HSE policies and procedures.
* Supervise preventive maintenance and sanitation activities across the production environment.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
* Monitor and analyze key production and operational KPIs.
* Coordinate regular operational review meetings to assess plant performance.
* Track progress against operational targets and define corrective action plans where necessary.
* Provide weekly operational projections and reporting to support planning activities.
Stakeholder & Industrial Relations
* Lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams across production, logistics and maintenance.
* Foster collaboration across the plant organization and maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders.
* Manage interactions with employee representatives and union bodies, operating within a structured industrial relations environment
Candidate Profile
We are primarily interested in professionals with experience in food or FMCG manufacturing environments, characterized by high production volumes, strict quality standards and complex operational dynamics.
Requirements
Technical Requirements
* Degree in Engineering, Economics or related disciplines (preferred).
* 8+ years of experience in industrial manufacturing environments, ideally within the food industry.
* Strong understanding of food production processes and food safety standards.
* Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
* Experience in managing complex manufacturing operations and multidisciplinary teams.
* Good knowledge of ERP systems and operational reporting tools.
* Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
* Good command of English in an international corporate environment.
Soft Skills
* Strong organizational and planning capabilities.
* Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Effective leadership and team management capabilities.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to operate effectively in complex industrial environments.
* High level of adaptability and learning agility.
* Strong orientation toward continuous improvement and operational excellence.
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