Plant Director (Job Code: CR6090)

Job Description: Plant Director
Location: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
Company: Multinational Corporation (FMCG/Pharmaceutical Sector)

About the Role:
Reporting to the Managing Director, the Production Director will lead and optimize all manufacturing operations for our European-headquartered facility in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance with global EHS standards, and delivering high-quality products for the food/pharmaceutical industry. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, driving continuous improvement, and aligning production strategies with corporate goals in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership
   • Oversee end-to-end production processes (planning, execution, quality control, and output) to meet or exceed KPIs (efficiency, cost, safety, and delivery).
   • Manage multiple departments: Production, EHS, Planning, Maintenance, and Quality Assurance.
   • Implement lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste and improve productivity.
2. EHS & Compliance
   • Ensure strict adherence to EU and local EHS regulations, including ISO 14001/ISO 45001 standards.
   • Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, and audit preparations to maintain a zero-harm workplace.
3. Strategic Planning
   • Develop annual/quarterly production plans aligned with sales forecasts and inventory targets.
   • Optimize supply chain collaboration (procurement, logistics, warehousing) to minimize lead times.
4. Team & Equipment Management
   • Coach and mentor a team of 100+ employees, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and safety.
   • Oversee equipment maintenance, capital projects, and technology upgrades to maximize uptime and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
5. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Collaborate with global R&D, Regulatory Affairs, and Commercial teams to launch new products and resolve operational bottlenecks.
   • Present performance metrics and improvement plans to executive leadership and European headquarters.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields; MBA or Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in production/operations management within food, pharmaceutical, or highly regulated manufacturing industries.
  • Proven success managing large teams (100+ employees) and P&L responsibility.
• Skills:
  • Fluent in English (C1 level or higher) with cross-cultural communication experience.
  • Strong leadership skills with a track record of driving transformational change.
  • Expertise in ERP/MES systems (e.g., SAP, Siemens), EHS management tools, and regulatory compliance (GMP, FDA, HACCP).
• Mindset:
  • Data-driven decision-maker with a bias for action and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to thrive in a matrix organization and navigate ambiguity.