Latvia Manufacturing Director Food Ingredients, Starches, Protein m/f/d

• My client — a leading European producer of organic potato starch, plant protein concentrates, specialty flours and B2C products — is strengthening its leadership team.
• We are looking for an experienced **Manufacturing Director** who will take full responsibility for production operations, drive Lean transformation, and ensure world‑class efficiency, safety, and quality across the factory in Latvia.
• **the plant is location at the country side outside of Riga**
• This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO.

Latvia is a modern, safe, and fast‑developing EU member state located on the Baltic Sea, known for its clean environment, stable economy, and high quality of life. The country combines **Nordic work culture** with **Central European accessibility**, making it an attractive destination for international professionals.

**Riga adds an extra spark to this opportunity: a vibrant Baltic capital with a dynamic cultural scene, modern business infrastructure, and an excellent quality of life. It’s an inspiring base for a role that engages with global customers and contributes to a company known for its sustainable ingredient portfolio across human and animal nutrition categories**

## Tasks

As **Manufacturing Director**, you will lead all production‑related functions — including **manufacturing, warehousing, maintenance, factory services, and production administration** — with a clear focus on:

• Safety
• OEE improvement
• Yield optimization
• Waste & rework reduction
• Productivity & cost efficiency

You will be the driving force behind **Lean implementation** and continuous improvement across all production lines.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Operational Leadership**

• Ensure production targets are met in **quality, quantity, and efficiency**
• Lead a team of **7 production administrators** and **35+ factory employees**
• Review production KPIs and ensure compliance with safety, quality, financial and delivery standards
• Maintain a safe working environment in collaboration with EHS teams

**Continuous Improvement & Lean**

• Lead Lean implementation across the plant
• Identify system‑wide productivity opportunities
• Drive high‑impact productivity projects with measurable financial results
• Ensure productivity processes become core business processes

**Strategic & Technical Leadership**

• Support long‑term operational planning and technology upgrades
• Co‑lead equipment purchasing, maintenance, and layout optimization
• Work closely with the CFO on operating budgets (>€2M scope)
• Deliver progress and performance reports to the CEO

**Cross‑Functional Collaboration**

• Work in a matrix structure with Planning & Efficiency Director
• Co‑responsible for **PPA (Production Plan Accuracy)** and **PPC (Production Plan Conformance)**
• Align with business partners to enable key initiatives

**Key KPIs**

• Safety
• Quality
• Rework & waste
• OEE improvement
• Production variable costs (€/t, man‑hours/t)
• Production plan accuracy & conformance

## Requirements

**What You Bring**

• 5+ years in **operations management** or **technical manufacturing leadership**
• Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering preferred); Master’s degree a plus
• Proven experience managing budgets > €2M
• Strong leadership personality; able to lead change, hire & fire when needed
• Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt strongly preferred
• Excellent communication skills in **English**; Latvian/Russian a plus
• Ability to thrive in a **high‑pressure, fast‑moving** environment
• Hands‑on leadership style — leading by example