Production Responsible - Bumblebee Rearing

Biobest Group; Westerlo; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hospitalisation

Group Insurance

Meal Vouchers

Eco Vouchers

Commuting Allowance

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Biobest Group, Belgium, is seeking a Production Responsible – Bumblebee Rearing to lead two teams of about 40 employees on the production floor. You will drive safe, efficient operations and ensure high quality rearing processes in a fast-paced environment.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will translate forecasts into production plans, manage budget and KPIs, and foster continuous improvement using Lean methods while coordinating with R&D, QC and other functions on site.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a production environment.
• Affinity for biology or agriculture; experience in related industry is a plus.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, preferably SAP.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations on the production floor with a focus on safety, quality and efficiency.
• Plan, coordinate and monitor production activities and budget; ensure reliable product availability.
• Apply Lean methodologies and continuous improvement to enhance performance and reduce waste.
• Foster collaboration across departments (R&D, Packing, QC, Warehouse, S&OP, Planning) and develop your teams.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Organizational skills

Communication

Dutch language

Tools

SAP

ERP software

Job description

At Biobest, a division of BioFirst Group, we are committed to making agriculture more sustainable every day. As a pioneer in biological crop protection, we breed bumblebees that play an essential role in the natural pollination of crops worldwide. Behind every bumblebee colony lies a carefully managed and specialized breeding and rearing process, where the expertise, collaboration and dedication of our employees make all the difference. From our production site in Belgium, we contribute to healthy and sustainable food production across the globe.

To further strengthen our bumblebee breeding operations, we are looking for a Production Responsible – Bumblebee Rearing who combines strong leadership, a focus on quality and a passion for people to lead our rearing teams. Together with your employees, you will ensure an efficient, high-quality and future-oriented rearing process.

Your mission

As Production Responsible – Bumblebee Rearing , you will lead two dedicated teams comprising approximately 40 production employees. You will play a key role in connecting your teams with other departments involved in daily operations. You will actively contribute to achieving organizational objectives while ensuring maximum efficiency and effectiveness in both current and future rearing activities. You will report to the Operations Manager.

Your responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• You are responsible for the day-to-day management of operations on the production floor, taking timely action whenever necessary.
• You foster a positive working environment built on respect, diversity, professional growth, ownership and strong connections between employees.
• You promote open communication, encourage feedback, strengthen employee engagement and guide your teams through continuous change.
• You implement effective performance follow-up, employee development initiatives and training programs.
• You look beyond your own teams and encourage collaboration and professional development across production departments, working closely with fellow production managers.

Communication, Planning and Budget Management

• You play a crucial role in monitoring production planning and ensuring an efficient and safe working environment.
• You represent production in project meetings related to your area of responsibility. You actively contribute to improvement projects and foster a culture of continuous optimization.
• You ensure effective collaboration between your teams and closely connected departments (R&D, Packing, QC, Warehouse, Global S&OP and Planning).
• You translate sales forecasts into production plans, taking into account inventory levels, workforce planning and production capacity, with a strong focus on ensuring reliable product availability.
• You ensure accurate inventory management in SAP.
• You manage and monitor your departmental budget, including operational expenses and labor costs.

Operational Excellence

• You are solution-oriented and respond quickly to operational challenges.
• You anticipate and proactively address current and future rearing requirements regarding capacity, raw materials, equipment, planning and staffing.
• You oversee the implementation and management of procedures, work instructions and records, ensuring that knowledge is retained and consistently shared and that operations comply with the organization's safety and quality standards.
• You apply Lean methodologies and other continuous improvement techniques to enhance operational efficiency.
• You manage and monitor your KPIs, including safety, quality and productivity.
• You ensure that all operations comply with applicable local, regional and federal laws and regulations regarding safety and environmental requirements.

Your profile

• You have proven leadership experience within a production environment.
• Ideally, you have an affinity for biology or the agricultural and horticultural sectors. Experience in a similar industry is considered an asset.
• You have knowledge of and experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• You are a natural people manager with a strong connection to the production floor. You enjoy building teams, providing direction and motivating employees to achieve results together.
• You are results-driven and have a hands-on mentality.
• You are organized, analytical and possess excellent communication skills.
• You are willing to work on-site during daytime hours, generally starting at 7:00 AM.
• You are fluent in Dutch.

What do we offer?

• Biobest offers you a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to more sustainable horticulture while growing professionally alongside the continued development of the Biobest Group.
• You will have the opportunity to apply and further develop your leadership skills.
• Our site is easily accessible and located in an area with minimal traffic congestion, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free commute and more quality time with family and friends.
• You will receive a white-collar employment contract with a competitive hourly wage, complemented by attractive benefits such as hospitalization and group insurance, meal vouchers, eco vouchers, a commuting allowance and employee discounts at local businesses.