Manufacturing Operations Manager

About the role

As the Manufacturing Operations Manager you will lead all production, engineering and maintenance activities at our Brussels chocolate plant. You will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring food safety and quality, and delivering sustainable business performance.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day plant operations, guaranteeing safe, efficient and high‑quality production.
• Improve productivity, process efficiency and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Lead engineering and maintenance functions, implementing preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Manage capital investment projects, technical upgrades and automation initiatives.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with food safety, health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with R&D, technical and commercial teams to drive innovation.
• Provide visible leadership on the shop floor, fostering teamwork, engagement and accountability.

Required profile

• Proven experience in managing manufacturing operations in a food or confectionery environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate large teams.
• Track record of delivering continuous‑improvement projects and capital investments.
• Excellent understanding of quality, food safety and environmental standards.
• Strategic mindset combined with hands‑on operational expertise.

Required skills

• Preventive and predictive maintenance management.
• Capital project planning and execution.
• Automation and process optimisation.
• Continuous‑improvement methodologies.