Plant Manager
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Basic information
Scope of duties
Our Client is an international organization with over 30 years of history, operating in the food industry and supplying products for leading private label brands across Europe. The company is known for its high-quality standards, innovative technological solutions, and collaborative approach to business partnerships.
The Polish plant, located in the Lubuskie Voivodeship, is one of the group’s most modern facilities. Currently employing around 70 people, it combines automation, digitization, and a culture of continuous improvement with an open, collaborative working style.
Our Client is looking for an experienced leader to take on the role of Plant Manager (Generalist) and lead the facility in Poland -combining strategic thinking with operational excellence and a collaborative leadership style.
Plant Manager / Generalist – Modern Facility within an International Structure
This role is for a leader who wants to have full influence over the operation and development of the plant - from shaping operational strategy to making daily decisions on production and team management.
The Plant Manager (Generalist) will be responsible for the overall operation of the manufacturing plant in Poland - end-to-end: from raw materials and customer interactions to the shipment of finished products. This includes full responsibility for the plant’s safety, quality, efficiency, and operational costs.
The position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and collaborates daily with supporting functions (Finance, HR, Quality, Health & Safety) based in Poland and operating within the group’s matrix structure.
A key focus of the role will be to further develop lean processes, drive transformation and digitization initiatives, and strengthen the team’s culture of collaboration and engagement.
We are looking for a mature leader with strong people management skills - someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational presence, develop talent, and build an integrated, self-driven team. This role is for someone who inspires others, listens actively, and consistently delivers on operational and development goals.
The Plant Manager (Generalist) will be fully responsible for running the plant in Poland end-to-end, with full accountability for its operational and financial performance. This role combines strategic leadership, performance management, and organizational culture development.
Core responsibilities include:
Managing the plant across the full operational cycle - from raw material intake and production planning to shipping finished goods to customers - with a focus on safety, quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery.
Full P&L responsibility - planning, cost monitoring, investment decision-making (CAPEX), and driving initiatives to improve profitability and operational predictability.
Developing and standardizing operational processes - implementing modern work standards, lean management principles, and tools for planning and performance reporting.
Leading transformation and digitization projects - identifying and implementing technological solutions that improve productivity, safety, and process transparency.
Managing and developing the management team - direct oversight of Production, Technical Services, and Supply Chain, as well as close collaboration and development of support function leaders (Finance, HR, Quality, H&S) in the matrix structure.
Strengthening the culture of collaboration and engagement - building trust, encouraging initiative, and fostering leadership at all organizational levels.
Cooperating with customers and the sales team - understanding market needs and ensuring alignment between production capabilities and customer expectations.
We are looking for a business-savvy leader with a mature, people-centered approach - someone who can combine strategic perspective with operational rigor, and lead an organization through change with both empathy and determination.
The ideal candidate:
Has 8 - 10 years of experience managing a manufacturing plant or a major operations area within an international structure (preferably in the food or related FMCG industry).
Understands and effectively applies lean management principles - translating them into daily practices, not just reports.
Has experience leading transformation, automation, and digitization projects.
Understands operational finance and P&L dynamics, makes data-driven decisions, and can influence financial performance.
Is a leader and mentor - able to develop and integrate management teams, including in a matrix organization.
Builds trust-based relationships - with teams, customers, and internal partners.
Holds a technical university degree (e.g., engineering, mechanics, food technology, or related fields).
Is fluent in English for daily business communication.
This role is ideal for someone who can act with courage and independence while building a team of strong experts—people who are eager to grow, collaborate, and share responsibility for outcomes.
This is a unique opportunity for a manager who wants to combine real operational impact with an international business context. The role offers the autonomy to make decisions, implement changes, and foster a culture of collaboration in an environment built on partnership and trust in leadership.
In this role, you will:
Co-lead the transformation of one of the group's most advanced plants and directly influence its continued growth.
Build a culture of engagement and accountability, where people are motivated to grow and contribute to the organization’s success.
Implement modern technological and organizational solutions that have a real impact on process efficiency and quality.
Work in an international environment where your decisions and ideas are visible and truly matter.
Location: Plant in the Lubuskie Voivodeship (Poland).
Work model: Full on-site presence required during the initial period; afterward, a hybrid model is possible (4 days on-site, 1 day remote).
