About the role
About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and results-driven Factory General Manager to lead and optimize all manufacturing operations within a high-volume food production facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence, profitability, productivity, quality, food safety, and continuous improvement while ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives.This role requires a strong leader with extensive experience in food manufacturing, preferably within the Pasta, Tomato Concentrates, Sauces, or related FMCG food sectors.Key ResponsibilitiesLead all factory operations including Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Warehousing, Quality, Food Safety, and Continuous Improvement. Drive plant profitability through effective cost control, productivity enhancement, waste reduction, and resource optimization. Develop and execute operational strategies to achieve business objectives and growth targets. Ensure compliance with food safety standards, quality systems, regulatory requirements, and company policies. Oversee production planning and coordination with Supply Chain to ensure customer service excellence. Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to efficiency, yield, OEE, labor productivity, quality, and profitability. Lead capital expenditure projects, process improvements, and operational excellence initiatives. Build and develop a high-performance management team and foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement. Ensure effective management of engineering and maintenance activities to maximize equipment reliability and plant uptime. Partner closely with senior leadership to support strategic planning and business expansion initiatives.
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Chemical, Production Engineering, or related discipline). MBA or advanced management qualifications are an advantage. Minimum 20+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, including at least 8-10 years in senior leadership roles. Mandatory experience within the Food Manufacturing Industry. Strong preference for candidates with experience in: Pasta Manufacturing Tomato Concentrates Sauces & Condiments Food Processing Operations Proven background in one or more of the following: Operations Management Supply Chain Management Manufacturing Engineering Plant Management Leadership CompetenciesStrong strategic and operational leadership skills. Proven ability to manage large multidisciplinary teams. Excellent financial and commercial acumen with a strong focus on profitability. Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities. Demonstrated success in driving operational excellence and continuous improvement programs. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills. Experience leading organizational transformation and performance improvement initiatives. Key Success MeasuresFactory Profitability Production Efficiency & OEE Cost Reduction & Waste Control Food Safety & Quality Compliance On-Time Delivery Performance Employee Engagement & Retention Plant Reliability & Equipment Uptime
