Plant Manager

Position Purpose, Responsibilities, and Key Duties

The Plant Manager holds ultimate responsibility for the plant's performance, ensuring production efficiency, workplace safety, and compliance with Group quality standards. This role acts as the primary link between local operations and central corporate functions.

Reporting to

COO Nutkao Group

Direct Reports

• Production Manager
• HR Manager
• Supply Chain and Planning Manager
• Quality Manager

Functional Reporting Lines

• R&D
• Controlling
• Sales

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Management: Coordinate production planning to optimize volumes and minimize downtime;
• Budget & Cost Control: Manage the plant's P&L, monitoring production, energy, and maintenance costs;
• CAPEX: Propose plant capital expenditures (Capex) to Senior Management;
• Quality & Safety (HSE & Food Safety): Ensure full compliance with BRC/IFS standards and Belgian food and environmental safety laws;
• People Management: Lead, motivate, and develop the team while promoting a culture of continuous improvement;
• Reporting: Analyze and communicate KPIs (OEE, waste, absenteeism) to Group Management.

Position Requirements

Qualifications and Prerequisites

• At least 5–7 years of experience in production management roles, preferably within the Food & Beverage;
• An education as bio-ir, industrial engineer biochemistry/life sciences or civil engineer, you have complemented with extensive experience in a food processing company;
• Language Skills: Proficiency in Flemish (for daily local staff management) and English is preferred. Knowledge of Italian and/or French is a welcome plus;
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing methodologies (5S, Kaizen);
• Experience in integrated supply chain management.

Soft Skills

• Authoritative yet empathetic leadership;
• Rapid problem-solving abilities;
• Result-oriented vision;
• Ability to work cross-functionally;

Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required