Plant Director

SIRE LIFE SCIENCES; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SIRE LIFE SCIENCES in Noordwijk is seeking an experienced Food Manufacturing Operations Leader to oversee the production site during a critical transformation. This interim assignment focuses on stabilizing operations at a 24/7 butter and butter oil production facility and preparing the plant for growth and investments.

You will lead the Site Management Team, drive safety, quality, and continuous improvement, manage technology upgrades, and embed best practices while developing staff and guiding

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading change and continuous improvement.
• Hands-on leadership in a 24/7 production setting.
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes.
• Experience in interim or temporary leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the production site, ensuring smooth and efficient processes.
• Lead and develop the Site Management Team, including Production, Maintenance, Technology, SHE, Quality, Planning & Logistics, and Finance.
• Drive safety standards, food safety, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage projects relating to technology upgrades, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous development among staff.
• Prepare the site for future organizational changes and growth by improving processes and embedding best practices.
• Lead change management efforts, focusing on enhancing operational performance and team capabilities.

Job description

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Food Manufacturing Operations Leader to oversee and guide the production facility in Noordwijk through a critical transformation phase. This interim role involves managing daily operations at a site producing butter and butter oil products for professional markets. The successful candidate will be responsible for stabilizing operational performance, enhancing team capabilities, and preparing the plant for future growth and investments. You will lead the Site Management Team and drive improvements across safety, food safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the production site, ensuring smooth and efficient processes.


• Lead and develop the Site Management Team, including departments such as Production, Maintenance, Technology, SHE, Quality, Planning & Logistics, and Finance.


• Drive safety standards, food safety, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Manage projects relating to technology upgrades, automation, and operational efficiency.


• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous development among staff.


• Prepare the site for future organizational changes and growth by improving processes and embedding best practices.


• Lead change management efforts, focusing on enhancing operational performance and team capabilities.

Requirements:

• Extensive experience as a Plant Manager within a manufacturing environment, preferably food or related industry.


• Proven track record of leading change and continuous improvement projects.


• Technical background, ideally in technology or engineering.


• Hands‑on experience in a 24/7 production setting.


• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes.


• Experience managing projects involving technology and automation upgrades.


• Demonstrated ability to develop teams and foster cultural change.


• Experience in interim or temporary leadership roles, with practical hands‑on expertise from shop floor to management.

Other Information:

This role is a temporary position due to the current Plant Manager’s absence and involves supporting the site during a period of transformation. The contract is planned for one year, with potential extensions in 9-month increments. The candidate should have completed multiple interim assignments and be comfortable working in a small plant environment with a hands‑on approach.