Production Director

Location : France

THE COMPANY

Our client is a leading manufacturer of high-quality food for pets. They are passionate about providing pets with nutritious and delicious meals, and they are committed to continuous improvement in their production processes. In France, they have a turnover of over several million and a team of almost 1,000 dedicated employees.

THE POSITION

Our client is seeking a driven and experienced Production Manager to oversee all aspects of the pet food manufacturing operation. You will be a “doer”, leading a team to continuously improve efficiency and navigate the challenges of a growing company.

The Company empowers their production team. They have a stable core team with extensive knowledge, supported by interim semi-skilled labour. This requires you to develop clear standards and continuously train staff to achieve ambitious, constantly-rising targets.

They believe in active leadership. Shift supervisors and team leaders are encouraged to take ownership and make decisions within their areas of expertise.

High innovation is a core value. They invest heavily in new production lines and embrace a culture of fast, efficient action. Managers have the freedom and are expected to make a difference, together with their teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage approximately 200 employees in a 24/7 production environment, fostering a culture of ‘delegation of authority' and taking responsibility for quality, planning, technology, and safety.
• Lead and motivate the production team, ensuring adherence to production schedules, quality control procedures, and safety protocols.
• Develop and implement production plans to meet customer demand and business objectives, continuously seeking ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Oversee operation of production lines, including scheduling maintenance and troubleshooting equipment issues to continuously improve efficiency.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods.
• Implement and maintain strict quality control measures to ensure product consistency and safety, adhering to HACCP principles.
• Develop and implement training programs to ensure all staff have the skills and knowledge to achieve production targets.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment, promoting teamwork and employee engagement.

ATTITUDES

• Proactive Leadership: The ideal candidate must possess a proactive leadership style, actively engaging with the core team and interim staff to drive productivity and meet targets. You should demonstrate a hands-on approach to management, constantly striving for improvement and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Adaptability and Change Management: the company operates on the principle of overload in production, necessitating the ability to manage change effectively. The ideal candidate should thrive in dynamic environments, capable of implementing new standards, training methods, and processes to adapt to evolving targets and business needs.
• Innovation and Problem-Solving: With the company's focus on shaping the future through innovation, the ideal candidate should possess a forward-thinking mindset. You should be adept at identifying opportunities for improvement, implementing innovative solutions, and driving efficiency across all levels of production.
• Action-Oriented Approach: the ideal candidate should be action-oriented, demonstrating a willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved in the day-to-day operations. You should lead by example, inspiring their team to take initiative and drive results.
• Strategic Vision: the company's managers have the freedom to make a difference and help shape the company's future. The ideal candidate should possess a strategic mindset, capable of aligning their actions with the company's long-term goals and objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a production management role, preferably within the pet food industry.
• Proven track record of leading and motivating teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent in English and French. German is a big plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite and relevant production software.
• Action-oriented mindset with a willingness to take ownership and make decisions.
• Ability to quickly adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment.

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Contact:

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