Production Manager LPSD Production LPSD · Mead Johnson Nijmegen

Mead Johnson Nijmegen; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 83,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Competitive bonus structure

Collective health insurance

Professional development

25 vacation days

Job summary

Mead Johnson Nutrition in Nijmegen is seeking a Production Manager to lead Premix, Liquid Process and Spray Dry operations. You will drive safety, quality and cost performance while coaching production leaders and teams to operate at a high level.

Collaborating with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality and Supply Chain, you translate strategic objectives into tangible shop-floor results and drive continuous improvement across the site.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• Leadership experience within manufacturing, production, operations, or plant environments.
• Experience in food, dairy, infant nutrition, pharmaceutical, medical device or other highly regulated industries.
• A strong track record in operational excellence, continuous improvement and people leadership.
• The ability to lead through change and successfully navigate complex operational challenges.
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Professional communication skills in both Dutch and English is a necessity.

Responsibilities

• Leading Premix, Liquid Process & Spray Dry production organization with a strong focus on People, Safety, Quality, Service and Cost performance.
• Delivering production plans while ensuring optimal utilization of people, equipment, and resources.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, quality, and operational excellence.
• Developing, coaching and empowering production leaders and teams to create a high-performance culture.
• Using data, KPIs, and performance insights to identify improvement opportunities and accelerate results.
• Leading problem‑solving and decision‑making during operational challenges, escalations, and production disruptions.
• Partnering with cross‑functional teams to support site‑wide objectives, investments, and transformation initiatives.
• Contributing to the strategic direction of the Nijmegen site as an active member of the Leadership Team.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Change management

Dutch & English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in a technical discipline

Job description

At Mead Johnson Nutrition, we believe every child deserves the very best start in life. For over a century, our scientifically developed nutritional products have supported the healthy growth and development of babies and young children around the world.

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Nijmegen plays a crucial role in this mission. With more than 450 dedicated colleagues, we produce premium infant nutrition for one of the world's largest and most dynamic markets: Greater China. Quality, innovation, safety, and integrity are at the heart of everything we do.

To strengthen our Liquid Processing and Spray Drying operations, we are looking for an inspiring and results-driven Production Manager. A leader who thrives in a complex manufacturing environment, empowers teams to perform at their best, and continuously drives operational excellence.

Your impact

As Production Manager, you will have a direct influence on the performance of one of the most critical production areas within our factory. You are responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations while creating an environment where people can grow, collaborate, and excel.

You will lead a team of production leaders and specialists, translating strategic objectives into tangible results on the shop floor. By combining strong leadership with operational expertise, you will ensure that production targets are met while continuously improving processes, quality standards, and team performance.

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on decision‑making. You will work closely with colleagues from Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and other key departments to achieve world‑class manufacturing performance and support the continued growth of our business.

What will you do?

As Production Manager, you will be responsible for leading our Premix, Liquid Process & Spray Dry organization to ensure outstanding performance across safety, quality, service, cost and people development.

Your responsibilities include:

• Leading our Premix, Liquid Process & Spray Dry production organization with a strong focus on People, Safety, Quality, Service and Cost performance.
• Delivering production plans while ensuring optimal utilization of people, equipment, and resources.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, quality, and operational excellence.
• Developing, coaching and empowering production leaders and teams to create a high-performance culture.
• Using data, KPIs, and performance insights to identify improvement opportunities and accelerate results.
• Leading problem‑solving and decision‑making during operational challenges, escalations, and production disruptions.
• Partnering with cross‑functional teams to support site‑wide objectives, investments, and transformation initiatives.
• Contributing to the strategic direction of the Nijmegen site as an active member of the Leadership Team.

Why this role?

This is more than a production leadership position. It is an opportunity to:

• Lead a key production area within an internationally recognized organization.
• Make a meaningful contribution to products that support the health and development of children worldwide.
• Inspire and develop talented teams in a high‑performing manufacturing environment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that create lasting impacts.
• Collaborate with experienced professionals across multiple disciplines where quality, compliance, and product safety are non‑negotiable.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Nijmegen manufacturing site.

Who are you?

You are an experienced operations leader who knows how to bring out the best in people. You enjoy building engaged, high‑performing teams and have a proven ability to deliver sustainable results in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

You combine strategic thinking with a pragmatic, hands‑on approach and are comfortable making decisions in complex operational settings.

You bring:

• A Master's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• Leadership experience within manufacturing, production, operations, or plant environments.
• Experience in food, dairy, infant nutrition, pharmaceutical, medical device or other highly regulated industries.
• A strong track record in operational excellence, continuous improvement and people leadership.
• The ability to lead through change and successfully navigate complex operational challenges.
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Professional communication skills in both Dutch and English is a necessity.

What do we offer?

An inspiring and innovative work environment where you can develop your career and sharpen your skills in a motivated and professional team. A fulltime contract with excellent working conditions and a competitive salary of €82.500- €124.000 annual gross (incl. holiday allowance) depending on knowledge and experience. Mead Johnson has a 40‑hour working week with 25 vacation days. We also offer you a good pension plan, a competitive bonus structure, collective health insurance benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Applying for a VOG may be part of the recruitment process.