PLANT DIRECTOR

For a food manufacturing company specializing in traditional Italian desserts we are looking for a Plant Director.

The company is currently experiencing a significant phase of growth, with a strong focus on international expansion, while combining its Italian heritage with innovation and operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Plant Director will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operational performance of the manufacturing plant.

The main focus will be on ensuring efficient production, maintaining high quality and safety standards, managing plant resources, and driving continuous operational improvements.

This is a hands-on leadership role in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment, requiring a practical approach, strong people management skills, and a close connection to daily factory operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day plant operations, overseeing Production, Production Planning, Maintenance, and Internal Logistics to ensure smooth and efficient manufacturing activities.
• Ensure production targets are achieved, monitoring output, productivity, efficiency, quality, and delivery performance in line with agreed operational objectives.
• Improve operational efficiency and productivity.
• Monitor and control production costs, ensuring efficient use of materials, labor, and equipment while operating within the agreed plant budget.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards, working closely with the Quality team to maintain compliance with applicable regulations and certifications (e.g., HACCP, IFS).
• Oversee maintenance activities.
• Coordinate production planning with relevant departments, working with Sales, Supply Chain, and Procurement to ensure production schedules are aligned with demand, material availability, and operational capacity.
• Contribute to investment and automation projects as required.
• Ensure a safe working environment, promoting compliance with workplace health and safety requirements and encouraging safe working practices across the plant.
• Manage and develop plant personnel, ensuring effective workforce organization, appropriate training, and a positive, results-oriented working environment.
• Provide regular operational reporting to the CEO, highlighting production performance, operational issues, and opportunities for improvement.

Candidate Profile

• Several years of experience in plant or production management within the food manufacturing or FMCG industry.
• Proven experience in managing manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets, product quality, and operational efficiency.
• Good understanding of production processes, including production planning, equipment maintenance, and manufacturing performance indicators.
• Experience in improving operational efficiency, reducing production waste, optimizing resources, and implementing practical process improvements.
• Good knowledge of food safety and quality requirements, preferably including HACCP, IFS, or equivalent standards.
• Ability to monitor and manage production costs, with a good understanding of operational budgets and key manufacturing KPIs.
• Strong people management and communication skills, with the ability to organize, motivate, and develop production teams and promote cooperation across departments.
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize activities, manage daily operational challenges, and ensure timely execution.
• Experience in mid-sized manufacturing companies is an advantage.
• Degree in Engineering, Food Technology, or a related technical field preferred. Relevant practical manufacturing experience will also be considered.

Languages

Good command of English is an advantage. Additional language skills are a plus.

What We Offer

• Permanent employment contract.
• A key executive position with direct impact on the company's strategic development and future growth.
• The opportunity to join a dynamic and internationally oriented food manufacturing company.
• Competitive compensation package, with a target salary range of €75,000–€85,000, commensurate with experience and leadership background

Location: Province of Treviso, Italy

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