Manufacturing Director

Lodiers & Partners; Noord-Brabant; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Lodiers & Partners is seeking a Director Manufacturing for a Benelux operation. You will translate strategic priorities into an operational strategy and strengthen safety, quality, productivity and delivery reliability, while advancing automation and data-driven decision-making on-site.

The role oversees production, planning, logistics, engineering, quality and product development, leading an experienced management team within an international, private equity-backed organisation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in manufacturing leadership and P&L management.
• Strong track record in strategic planning and operational improvement.
• Experience with automation and digitalisation of machinery and processes.
• Pragmatic, hands-on leader who develops talent and drives collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production, planning, logistics, engineering, quality and product development.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, budgets and targets.
• Lead Lean initiatives and data-driven decision making to improve safety, quality and productivity.
• Drive make/buy decisions and accelerate automation and digitalisation across the function.

Skills

Dutch-English fluency

Production & logistics

Lean Manufacturing

Value Stream Engineering

Data-driven decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Our client is an established international organisation in the manufacturing sector and is backed by private equity. The Benelux organisation is predominantly active in the Netherlands and has approximately 100 employees, representing around €35 million in trade and production value for the wider European group and export customers. Operating in a complex, project-driven market, the organisation combines production, supply chain, installation and service activities.

It is entering a new phase focused on stronger business performance, clearer accountability and improved forecasting. More consistent processes, reliable reporting and better management information will support this development. Automation, digitalisation, leadership development and the retention of critical knowledge are central to sustainable improvement.

Main goal of the position

The Director Manufacturing will translate strategic priorities into a clear operational strategy and strengthen the performance and profitability of the manufacturing organisation. The role is expected to deliver structural improvements in safety, quality, productivity and delivery reliability, while advancing automation, digitalisation and data-driven decision-making. By developing leadership capabilities and embedding ownership and continuous improvement, the director will create lasting value and support profitable growth.

The position

The Director Manufacturing reports to the Group CEO and is a member of the Dutch Management Team. The director is accountable for the operational and financial performance of manufacturing and oversees production, planning, logistics, engineering, technical services, quality and product development.

Strategic objectives are translated into clear plans, budgets and measurable targets. Key priorities include safe and reliable operations, optimising production processes and the make-or-buy strategy, strengthening coordination across engineering, production and logistics, and accelerating automation and digitalisation. The director leads an experienced management team, develops organisational capabilities and embeds Lean principles, data-driven decision-making, ownership and continuous improvement. This full-time role requires a strong on-site presence and visible, hands-on leadership from the production floor to the boardroom.

The profile

• fluency in both Dutch and English is essential. Candidates must be able to communicate professionally in both languages;
• extensive knowledge of production and logistics processes in the manufacturing or process industry;
• experience integrating supply chain activities across engineering, production and logistics;
• strong track record in strategic planning, P&L management, operational improvement and value creation;
• experience with automation and digitalisation of machinery, systems and operational processes;
• proven expertise in continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing and Value Stream Engineering;
• bachelor’s degree in engineering, business management or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred;
• proven track record in manufacturing leadership, preferably within an international, private equity-backed organisation;
• pragmatic, hands-on and people-oriented leader who leads by example, develops talent and strengthens collaboration;
• analytical, commercially minded and customer-focused communicator who drives ownership, safety, quality and results;

Procedure

There will be several interview rounds with representatives of Lodiers & Partners and our client. Interviews with Lodiers & Partners will take place in weeks 44 and 45, followed by interviews with the client in week 46. A personality assessment (Lumina) forms part of the selection process.

Fluency in both Dutch and English is a mandatory requirement for this position. Applications from candidates who do not speak Dutch fluently will not be considered.