Factory Manager
Job Summary
Are you an experienced people manager with a passion for production excellence and process optimisation
Do you want to contribute to more sustainable food production in an international environment
At DeLaval part of the Tetra Laval Group we develop and produce solutions for dairy farmers worldwide.
We support our customers in reducing their environmental footprint while improving food production profitability and the well-being of the people and animals involved. We offer products systems and services for all steps of milk production. Our solutions are used by millions of dairy farmers around the globe every day.
In our chemical factory in Drongen we manufacture udder hygiene products cleaning agents and disinfection products.
We currently have an opportunity for a committed and hands-on Factory Managerto lead and develop our operations team.
Your role
In this key leadership position you are responsible for ensuring strong operational performance across Safety Quality Delivery & Cost.
You will lead a highly skilled team of approx. 40 colleagues (including 3-4 direct reports) drive continuous improvement (LEAN) and align operational activities with the broader company strategy.
You report directly to the Operations Director.
Key responsibilities
- Ensure competitive operational performance and cost control
- Lead coach and develop employees in a production environment
- Develop and execute short- mid- and long-term operational plans
- Drive process improvements and build a strong LEAN culture
- Guarantee QA/QP compliance and the effectiveness of the Quality Management System
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements
- Optimise supply chain warehouse and manufacturing processes particularly related to chemical production
What you bring
- Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial operations including at least 2 years in a senior managerial role
- Bachelors degree in Engineering (Masters preferred) or equivalent experience
- Strong people management and team development skills
- Solid understanding of lean manufacturing supply chain and quality management
- Fluent in Dutch and English
Who you are
You are a strong communicator an inspiring team leader and a natural coach
You have a structured and analytical mindset you motivate your team to deliver results
You bring integrity a problem-solving attitude and commitment to strengthening our operational culture
What do we offer you
Our core valuesPassion People Professionals and Partnerships connect individuals across entities and regions.
Success is much more than knowledge it is strongly linked to behaviour.
At DeLaval we are guided by our three behavioural principles: setting direction making things happen and One DeLaval.
We offer you a workplace where technology goes hand in hand with animal welfare.
In addition we offer
- The opportunity to be part of a strong international organisation
- Marketcompetitive salary aligned with your experience
- Meal vouchers
- Incentive Plan
- Group insurance / medical insurance
- Company car
- 12 additional leave days (ADV)
- Internal training
- Leasebike
- Laptop / smartphone
- Strong focus on safety environment health and quality
- Being part of the DeLaval #teamblue family
Questions or interested
Feel free to reach out to the hiring team:
Kathleen Van de Voorde HR Manager
Vicky Verwilghen HR Generalist
Ralf Sundaram Pillai Operations Director
We look forward to hearing from you!
About DeLaval
Our vision is to make sustainable food production possible.
As a company built on innovation we constantly work to find ways of helping our customers dairy farmers do more with less by providing world-leading milking equipment and solutions.
Today DeLaval has approximately 4500 passionate professionals operating in more than 100 markets around the world.
DeLaval is part of the Tetra Laval Group together with Tetra Pak and Sidel.
See more at and Experience:
Manager