Plant Operations Leader - Safety & Continuous Improvement

CHEP Benelux Nederland BV; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CHEP Benelux Nederland BV in the Netherlands seeks an Operations Lead at the Tiel plant, managing a team of up to 85, driving safety, performance, and continuous improvement, and acting as the right hand of the Plant Manager.

This role blends people leadership with operational excellence, offering a visible impact on plant success and opportunities to mentor, coordinate maintenance, and lead end-to-end operations with a data-driven mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• NEBOSH qualification or equivalent.
• Certifications or training in production management, safety, quality control, and lean manufacturing.
• 3+ years of experience in a fast-paced production & distribution operation with supervisory/management experience.
• Experience leading Zero Harm initiatives, including learning teams and risk assessments.
• Experience delivering a high-performance team in a blue-collar environment.
• Strong understanding of production process, quality control, safety regulations, and industry standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with stakeholders at all levels.
• Problem-solving skills with quick and effective solutions.
• Strong English; Dutch, German, or Eastern European language a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership by mentoring, coaching, and guiding employees, addressing employee relations issues, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Lead and enhance safety performance on shift, promoting a proactive safety culture through training, accident prevention, and rehabilitation programs.
• Manage shift maintenance activities, coordinating with maintenance to minimize unplanned downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives on shift to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor and manage plant costs and yield, collaborating with Plant Manager to optimize performance.
• Address performance and attendance matters in collaboration with HR.
• Ensure CHEP procedures and work instructions are followed to meet standards and goals.

Skills

Adaptability

Change Management

Coaching

Data Analysis

Digital Literacy

Emotional Intelligence

Mentoring

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

CHEP Benelux Nederland BV in the Netherlands seeks an Operations Lead at the Tiel plant, managing a team of up to 85, driving safety, performance, and continuous improvement, and acting as the right hand of the Plant Manager.

This role blends people leadership with operational excellence, offering a visible impact on plant success and opportunities to mentor, coordinate maintenance, and lead end-to-end operations with a data-driven mindset.