Plant Manager (M/F/D)

Job Title: Plant Manager (M/F/D)

City, Country: Saint Clar, France

Ready to take full ownership of a manufacturing site and shape its future? As Plant Manager, you’ll lead all aspects of our growing cheese coating operation, combining strategic decision-making with hands-on leadership. This is a unique opportunity to build your leadership career in a highly autonomous role, drive operational excellence, and make a visible impact on the success and growth of the site every day.

As Plant Manager, you will be responsible to develop, implement and realize the plant manufacturing plan in line with relevant dsm-firmenich and functional guidelines and requirements, and develop, structure and manage its organization, in order to realize the objectives of the plant organization.

Your key responsibilities

• Define and implement the plant manufacturing plan, in line with the agreed manufacturing plan of the BG/BU, resulting in an agreed plant manufacturing plan directing the production and delivery of products in line with agreed planning and specifications.
• Monitor the execution of the plant manufacturing plan and take corrective actions when necessary, in order to achieve agreed objectives.
• Translate the BG/BU manufacturing strategy and the plant manufacturing plan in a (long term) investment and maintenance plan for the plant assets, define budgets and get approval for these budgets, in order to meet current and future needs on production efficiency, capability and capacity.
• Manage plant operations, maintenance and production planning, in line with the plant manufacturing plan and in line with all dsm-firmenich, manufacturing and safety requirements and practices, in order to ensure that the installations are managed and operated in a technically sound, long-lasting, safe and environmentally acceptable manner and production objectives against specifications are realized.
• Manage (by means of the IP process) projects and the implementation of innovations and new technologies within own plant in order to realize production capacity against specifications in time.
• Identify and analyse potential operational and QSHE risks, give recommendations and, after approval, implement countermeasure, in order to meet established production objectives.
• Involved in ‘crisis management’ in case of calamities in plant.

Management responsibilities

• Organise, plan and supervise the site teams (10 people).
• Ensure that team training is in line with the factory’s strategy, legal obligations and current QSHE requirements.
• Identify, promote and develop the team’s skills, particularly by focusing on critical competencies.
• Ensure the teams remain motivated and engaged.
• The Plant Manager will chair the Works Council (CSE) and play a key role in fostering a positive, collaborative, and constructive employee relations environment, ensuring compliance with current labour laws and regulations.

We offer

• A chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do.
• A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game-changers, you’ll work on what’s next.
• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership.
• A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
• A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.

You bring

• At least 10 years of experience in an industrial environment, ideally within the food industry.
• Experience leading and developing teams in a manufacturing environment, with the ability and potential to take full responsibility for a site.
• Leadership skills, including the ability to engage people, make decisions, and drive performance through collaboration and accountability.
• Solid awareness of safety, health, environmental and quality standards, with a commitment to fostering a safe and compliant workplace.
• Strategic thinking skills.
• Experience developing, implementing and delivering annual operational or manufacturing plans to achieve business goals.
• Fluency in French and English, with the ability to communicate effectively across local and international stakeholders.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Our application process

Are you interested in this position? Apply online by sending us your resume via our career’s portal. For more information, contact Ms. Anikó BÉRES, Talent Acquisition Business Partner ([email protected]).

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement

We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.