Production Team Manager

SoTalent; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SoTalent is seeking a Freelance Production Team Manager in Amsterdam for a fully on-site role. The successful candidate will lead a team of approximately 15 employees, ensuring smooth production while maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.

This position requires a hands-on approach, a minimum of 8 years of leadership experience, and fluency in Dutch. A strong focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency is essential to thrive in this fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

The assignment is structured for 40 hours per week, with standard operating hours from 06:00 to 15:00.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' leadership experience in manufacturing environments.
• Experience in production line optimisation and process improvement.
• Hands-on management style with ability to work alongside operational teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a production team of approximately 15 employees.
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.

Skills

Leadership

Process Improvement

HACCP Knowledge

Team Management

Fluent Dutch

English Communication

Education

HBO level education or equivalent professional experience

Job description

Freelance Production Team Manager (Contract)

40 Hours Per Week | Fully On-Site

Dutch Speaking Required

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Production Team Manager to join a growing food manufacturing business on an interim freelance basis.

This hands‑on leadership role is ideal for a production professional who thrives in fast‑paced manufacturing environments and enjoys combining operational leadership with continuous improvement initiatives.

You will take responsibility for leading a production team, optimising processes and ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality and operational efficiency are consistently achieved.

The Opportunity

As Production Team Manager, you will oversee the day‑to‑day operation of the production department, leading a team of approximately 15 employees and ensuring smooth production from raw materials through to finished packaged products.

Alongside managing daily operations, a key focus of this assignment will be strengthening operational foundations, improving production processes and driving greater efficiency across the manufacturing function.

This is a highly visible role requiring a strong shop‑floor presence and a practical, hands‑on leadership style.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a production team of approximately 15 employees
• Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership on the production floor
• Support, coach and develop team members to maximise performance
• Work closely with supply planning teams to ensure effective production scheduling
• Ensure production lines are appropriately staffed and operating efficiently
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions where necessary
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality and operational standards
• Promote a positive, collaborative and high‑performing team culture
• Act as the key point of contact for production‑related issues and operational decision‑making
• Support the achievement of production targets, efficiency goals and quality standards

About You

You'll be an experienced manufacturing leader with a proven track record of delivering results within production environments.

• HBO level education or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of 8 years' leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
• Strong experience managing production teams and operational processes
• Proven success in production line optimisation and process improvement
• Hands‑on management style with a willingness to work alongside operational teams
• Fluent Dutch language skills and strong English communication abilities
• Ability to work on‑site full‑time
• Residence within approximately 50km of the site location
• Food manufacturing industry experience
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards
• Experience implementing operational excellence or continuous improvement programmes
• Experience stabilising and improving underperforming production environments

What You'll Bring

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Calm and stable approach under pressure
• Ability to build trust and motivate teams
• Excellent organisational and planning capabilities
• Strong operational and commercial awareness
• Proactive approach to identifying and implementing improvements
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution
• Freelance / Contract Assignment
• 40 hours per week
• Fully on‑site position
• Standard team operating hours: 06:00 – 15:00
• Availability to attend early morning production start‑ups (approximately 2–3 times per week) is required

This assignment is ideally suited to an experienced Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager or Operations Leader who enjoys leading from the front and driving measurable improvements within a food production environment.