Operations Manager

Graphic Packaging International; Sneek; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Graphic Packaging International in the Netherlands seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead the Sneek facility's day-to-day operations. You will drive production planning, safety and quality, and lead a multidisciplinary team to meet targets.

You will develop short- and long-term plans, monitor KPIs, champion Lean Manufacturing and cost control, and collaborate with HR and stakeholders to align strategy with business goals.

Qualifications

• HBO+ in a technical discipline is required.
• 3+ years of leadership in manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading large operational teams.
• Strong knowledge of production processes, safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Experience with budget management and capital investments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Inspirational, engaging leadership with coaching ability.
• Results-oriented and analytical mindset.
• Collaborative leadership in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Sneek facility.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term plans covering staffing, investments, maintenance, safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Drive operational performance through KPI monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence initiatives to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Ensure effective production planning, delivery reliability, quality standards, and workplace safety.
• Manage operational budgets and oversee investment and improvement projects.
• Lead, coach, and develop multidisciplinary teams across Production, Technical Services, Planning, and Logistics.
• Partner with HR on workforce planning and talent development.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align strategy and business objectives.
• Support the continuous professionalization and growth of the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Operations leadership

Lean manufacturing

Budget management

Production planning

Safety standards

Quality systems

Stakeholder management

Education

HBO+ (technical discipline)

Job description

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

As Operations Manager, you will:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Sneek manufacturing facility.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term operational plans covering staffing, training, investments, maintenance, safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Drive operational performance through KPI monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence initiatives to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Ensure effective production planning, delivery reliability, quality standards, and workplace safety.
• Manage operational budgets and oversee investment and improvement projects.
• Lead, coach, and develop multidisciplinary teams across Production, Technical Services, Planning, and Logistics.
• Partner with HR on workforce planning and talent development.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align strategy and business objectives.
• Support the continuous professionalization and growth of the organization.

Required Qualifications:

• HBO+ (preferably in a technical discipline).
• 3 + years of leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing large operational teams and driving business results.
• Strong understanding of production processes, safety standards, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with budget management and capital investment projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to inspire, influence, and engage teams at all levels.
• Results-oriented mindset
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Collaborative leadership style
• Coaching and people development
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment