We are seeking an experienced and driven Deputy Production Manager to support the efficient and safe execution of cheese production in an industrial setting. This role ensures adherence to production schedules, quality standards, food safety regulations, and overall operational performance.
The Deputy will collaborate with key departments and report directly to the Production Manager, with potential for future leadership development.
Key Responsibilities
Planning & Coordination
- Plan and organize production activities based on order schedules and forecasts
- Optimize production lines and resource usage considering workload and milk/curd availability
- Coordinate operator shifts and ensure staffing coverage for critical production phases
Process Control
- Supervise all phases of the production process: milk reception, pasteurization, coagulation, stretching, forming, brining, and packaging
- Monitor and manage critical process parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, acidification rate, yield)
- Promptly identify and resolve deviations or stoppages in production
Team Supervision
- Lead and coordinate operators, team leaders, and maintenance staff
- Train, evaluate, and motivate production personnel
- Enforce compliance with health, safety, hygiene, and quality standards
Hygiene & Sanitation
- Supervise CIP/SIP cleaning procedures and manual sanitation of production lines
- Collaborate with QA to monitor microbiological safety and manage phage contamination risk
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Analyze production KPIs (yield, waste, line efficiency, cycle time)
- Participate in improvement initiatives, both technical and organizational
- Ensure accurate traceability and proper documentation of the production process
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Work closely with departments such as Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Logistics, and R&D
- Take part in internal and external audits (BRC, IFS, and major retail clients)
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of experience in production management within the food industry or other manufacturing sectors focused on continuous improvement (e.g., machinery, automotive)
- Degree in Food Engineering preferred; alternative degrees in Mechanical, Mechatronic, Electrical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or Veterinary Sciences are acceptable
- Strong leadership and coordination abilities
- Fluent in Hungarian and English; knowledge of Italian is a plus
- Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems
Compensation & Benefits
- Gross annual salary: €50,000 – €60,000
- Performance bonus: up to 20%
- Housing assistance available for relocation
- Opportunity to grow in a structured and international industrial environment
According to Italian Laws 903/77 and 125/91, advertisements are addressed to both sexes and people of all ages and nationalities, in accordance with Legislative Decrees 215/03 e 216/03.