Head of Manufacturing Induno

Lindt & Sprüngli S.p.A.; Induno Olona; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Lindt & Sprüngli Portrait in Induno Olona, Italy, seeks a Head of Manufacturing to lead the site’s manufacturing operations, delivering the production plan while upholding safety, quality and environmental standards. You will steer the Manufacturing organisation, drive TPM and Lean practices, and ensure cost efficiency, service and productivity through a team‑centred leadership approach.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will align business priorities with measurable results, nurture

Qualifications

• Degree in a technical or scientific discipline; equivalent qualifications considered.
• Significant senior Manufacturing or Plant Operations experience in complex production environments, preferably in the food industry.
• Proven experience with TPM, Lean Manufacturing or Operational Excellence; able to translate into daily practice.
• Strong ability to interpret KPIs and convert data into decisions, priorities and actions.

Responsibilities

• Ensure effective execution of the production plan, assessing feasibility and coordinating with functions to address constraints and priorities.
• Deliver site objectives across safety, quality, service, volumes, productivity, efficiency and cost.
• Drive performance via KPI reviews, data quality, variance analysis and clear corrective actions ownership.
• Champion TPM and Lean principles, embedding standards and continuous improvement across production areas.
• Shape the Manufacturing organisation by defining accountabilities, resources and control systems.
• Lead, develop and motivate management and operational teams, fostering distributed leadership.

Skills

TPM

Lean Manufacturing

Operational Excellence

Leadership

KPI interpretation

Education

Technical or scientific degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

Lindt & Sprüngli Portrait

About Us Since 1845, Lindt & Sprüngli has been delighting the world with premium chocolate, combining tradition, innovation and responsibility. We operate in more than 120 countries and have two production sites in Italy, located in Induno Olona (VA) and Luserna San Giovanni (TO).

The Role

As Head of Manufacturing, you will hold overall accountability for the manufacturing operations at the Induno Olona site, ensuring delivery of the production plan in line with safety, quality, hygiene and environmental standards, as well as service, productivity and cost targets. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, you will lead the Manufacturing organisation and translate business priorities into measurable operational results. You will foster a management culture built on safety, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring the consistent application of TPM and Lean Manufacturing principles.

Location Induno Olona site (VA), Italy.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure effective execution of the production plan, assessing its operational feasibility and defining, together with the relevant functions, the actions required to address constraints, deviations and priorities.
• Deliver site objectives across safety, quality, service, volumes, productivity, efficiency and cost, taking timely action in response to issues and opportunities.
• Drive performance through a structured KPI and operational review framework, ensuring data quality, regular reporting, variance analysis and clear ownership of corrective actions.
• Champion operational excellence through TPM methodology and Lean principles, embedding standards, execution discipline, problem-solving and continuous improvement across production areas.
• Shape the Manufacturing organisation by defining accountabilities, resource requirements, coordination mechanisms and control systems, while optimising processes, technologies and ways of working.
• Lead, develop and motivate the management and operational teams, strengthening distributed leadership, accountability, collaboration and decision-making close to the process.
• Develop and manage the area budget, monitor costs and identify productivity initiatives aligned with the site’s financial objectives.
• Partner with Planning, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Industrial Performance, Supply Chain, HR and other support functions to ensure operational continuity and delivery of shared objectives.
• Contribute to the site’s industrial development agenda by providing a fact-based perspective on capacity, production constraints, organisational requirements and investment priorities.

What We Are Looking For

• Degree in a technical or scientific discipline; equivalent qualifications will be considered where supported by strong industrial experience.
• Significant experience in senior Manufacturing or Plant Operations roles within complex production environments, preferably in the food industry.
• Proven experience in applying TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence or comparable methodologies, with the ability to translate them into daily practices and measurable results.
• Strong ability to interpret industrial KPIs, identify the root causes of variances and convert data into decisions, priorities and action plans.
• Strong planning, organisational, financial management and cost-control capabilities.
• A leadership style focused on people development, empowerment and building high-performing teams.
• Strong results orientation, discipline, attention to detail, sound judgement and problem-solving capability in complex situations.
• Ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment around shared objectives.
• Good command of English and proficiency in analysis and reporting tools; knowledge of SAP is an advantage.

What Makes Us Unique

At Lindt, we believe that success starts with people. We offer a strong and stimulating environment where individuals can grow, share ideas and make a difference every day. Joining Lindt means becoming part of a company that combines passion, quality and genuine care for its people and for what we do: enchanting the world with chocolate.

Employment Terms

The position is offered on a permanent employment contract.

The role is full-time, based on a 40-hour working week.

We offer a competitive compensation package that reflects the scope and responsibilities of the role, individual experience and expertise, and our commitment to fair and equitable pay, based on objective and gender-neutral criteria.

Commitment to Equal Pay

Lindt & Sprüngli is committed to ensuring equal pay for equal work or work of equal value, in accordance with EU Directive 2023/970 and Italian Legislative Decree No. 96/2026. The criteria used to determine remuneration are objective, transparent and gender-neutral.

Looking to grow your career in a dynamic, international setting? Join the Lindt & Sprüngli Group! Together, we thrive to achieve our bold ambitions, powered by our purpose and unique culture of community and mutual support - rooted in a proud tradition, yet always evolving to stay ahead and set new standards - Across our diverse local teams, we think globally and act locally - empowering people to grow, take ownership and shape a sustainable future together. We are a responsible employer of choice who provides an inspiring people experience. Together, we build trust, drive innovation, and grow - as individuals and as a business. Lindt & Sprüngli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 180 years. The long-established Swiss company with its roots in Zurich is a global leader in the premium chocolate category. Lindt & Sprüngli produces quality chocolates today at its 12 factories in Europe and the USA. Its products are sold by 41 subsidiaries and branch offices in around 620 of its own stores as well as via a network of around 100 distributors around the globe. With around 15,500 employees, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group reported sales of CHF 5.92 billion in 2025. Our commitment to contributing to a sustainable tomorrow is a key element driving the company’s actions and ambitions. Since 2008, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program has been our Responsible Sourcing Standard for cocoa.