Job Description
The Client: An established organization in the food sector, specializing in dairy products.
Your role: It is a leadership role that has significant impact on the overall business. You will provide overall strategic leadership to the Operations departments, driving the company’s mission to deliver high-quality dairy products. Accountable for leading and overseeing all aspects of production operations, from greenfield and brownfield project management to day-to-day manufacturing excellence. Your focus will include optimizing production output, managing resources, and look at digitization and automation . Additionally, you will lead innovation initiatives and develop annual business plans to support the organization’s growth and efficiency objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Business Planning:
Provide overall strategic direction and leadership to the Operations departments, aligning operational strategies with the company’s long-term goals.
Develop and implement annual business plans that support the company’s growth, efficiency, and innovation objectives.
Production Planning and Optimization:
Oversee the effective utilization of resources, including equipment, materials, and labor, to maximize production output and efficiency.
Develop production schedules that meet customer demand and align with business goals.
Innovation and Process Improvement:
Lead innovation initiatives to explore new technologies and processes that can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and innovative solutions to drive operational excellence.
Quality Assurance and Compliance:
Ensure compliance with industry regulations, quality standards, and food safety guidelines, maintaining the highest standards of product quality and safety.
Oversee quality control processes and implement measures to ensure consistent product quality.
Team Management and Development:
Lead and manage a team of manufacturing professionals, including supervisors, technicians, and operators.
Foster a culture of continuous learning and development, providing guidance, coaching, and support to team members.
Set performance objectives, conduct evaluations, and implement training programs to enhance team capabilities.
Supply Chain and Inventory Management:
Collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure the timely availability of raw materials and packaging materials for production.
Monitor and manage inventory levels, optimizing supply chain processes to minimize costs and prevent shortages.
Cost Management:
Monitor manufacturing costs, identify areas for cost reduction, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality and safety.
Collaborate with other departments, such as Engineering, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain, to streamline operations and resolve issues.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Participate in cross-functional meetings, provide strategic insights, and contribute to high-level decision-making processes.
Work closely with senior leadership to align operational strategies with overall business objectives and drive organizational success.
Must Have:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Experience: Proven experience (15+ years) in manufacturing management, preferably in the dairy or food industry.
Expertise: In-depth knowledge of dairy production processes, equipment, and quality standards.
Skills:
Demonstrated expertise in process improvement methodologies, such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
Comprehensive understanding of health and safety regulations and practices in a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in data analysis, performance metrics, and production planning tools.
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
Superior communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
Results-oriented with a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing business needs.
Managing expectations: “At Mindfield, we strive for exceptional results, and we achieve this by understanding the needs of both our clients and candidates. We ask that you take note of our “must-haves” to ensure a successful application process. We look forward to building a long-term relationship with you. Mindfield – making a difference.”