Processing Manager

The Kingfish Company; Goes; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Personal development opportunities

Room for initiative

Job summary

The Kingfish Company, a global leader in sustainable land-based aquaculture, is seeking a Processing Manager for its Kats production facility in the Netherlands. You will oversee the daily processing operations, lead a team of supervisors and operators (about 20 FTE), and drive safety, quality, and continuous improvement across all processing activities.

Responsibilities include optimizing production planning, managing outsourced processing, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years in an operational management role in food production/processing
• Experience with HACCP, BRCGS and/or IFS
• Strong leadership and people-management skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proactive, responsible attitude and safe working practices

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily processing from harvest to packaging and storage
• Optimize production planning based on harvest schedules and demand
• Manage outsourced processing and maintain supplier relationships
• Monitor yield, capacity, quality and efficient use of people/resources
• Track KPIs: throughput, yield, product quality and downtime
• Lead safety, hygiene, and sanitation programs
• Drive continuous improvement and lean initiatives across processing

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Fluent English

Driver's license

Team management

Continuous improvement

Lean

Engineering affinity

Food safety knowledge

Education

MBO/HBO in Food/Quality Management

Job description

Are you a hands‑on, experienced operations professional with a passion for food production, quality, and team leadership? At The Kingfish Company, we produce premium Yellowtail Kingfish in a sustainable and innovative way. To support our continued growth, we are looking for a Processing Manager who will be responsible for the optimal performance of our processing department.

What will you do?

As Processing Manager, you will be responsible for the daily management and optimization of all processing activities at our production facility in Kats.

Operations & Production

• Coordinate the daily processing of our fish, from harvest through packaging and storage
• Optimize production planning based on harvest schedules and customer demand
• Manage outsourced processing activities and maintain relationships with suppliers
• Monitor yield, capacity, quality, and the efficient use of people and resources
• Track and analyze KPIs such as throughput, yield, product quality, and downtime

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and applicable legislation
• Collaborate with the Quality department to maintain and further develop the Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
• Lead internal and external audits and certification processes
• Ensure optimal traceability, documentation, and recall procedures
• Oversee compliance with hygiene and sanitation procedures

Quality

• Ensure products meet internal quality standards and customer requirements
• Work closely with QA/QC teams to continuously improve product quality and shelf life
• Investigate deviations and implement corrective actions
• Foster a strong quality culture throughout the team

Leadership

• Lead supervisors and operators within the processing department (approximately 20 FTE)
• Coach, develop, and motivate employees
• Manage training, competency development, and performance management
• Further develop a culture of ownership, safety, and continuous improvement

Health, Safety & Environment

• Ensure a safe working environment
• Lead risk assessments and follow up on improvement actions
• Coordinate incident investigations
• Support sustainability initiatives focused on waste reduction and energy efficiency

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for improvement and develop and implement process enhancements
• Support investments in new equipment and technologies
• Participate in cross‑functional projects
• Apply Lean and continuous improvement methodologies

What do you bring?

• MBO/HBO level education, preferably in Food Management, Quality Management, or a related field
• Minimum of 3‑5 years of experience in an operational management role within food production or food processing
• Experience with food safety systems such as HACCP, BRCGS, and/or IFS
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing teams
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• A proactive attitude and strong sense of responsibility
• Valid Category B driver's license
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written
• Affinity with engineering and technical processes

Who are you?

You are a hands‑on leader who can easily switch between the production floor and strategic improvement projects. You know how to guide people through change, maintain oversight in a dynamic environment, and feel responsible for quality, safety, and results.

• A true team player
• Proactive and entrepreneurial
• Positive and solution‑oriented
• Constructively critical when needed
• Focused on collaboration and continuous improvement

What do we offer?

• A challenging management position within an innovative and fast‑growing organization
• The opportunity to make a direct impact on our operations and quality standards
• A chance to work in an enthusiastic and committed team
• Plenty of room for personal initiative and professional development
• A competitive salary and attractive employment benefits

About The Kingfish Company

The Kingfish Company is a global leader in sustainable land‑based aquaculture. From our facility in Zeeland, we produce premium Yellowtail Kingfish for customers around the world. Innovation, quality, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply now and become part of our ambitious growth journey.