Come and join the leading #avoexperts 🥑
Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.
With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.
We’re looking for an Operations Manager to join our team in, Wingene, Belgium.
Within the global production and country strategy and guidelines, the Operations Manager directs, plans, organizes, develops & controls all activities of the Production function (production and production support) to meet short, medium, and long-term production goals, whilst complying with Safety and Quality Assurance, customer requirements, rules, laws, and regulations.
Responsibilities include:
* Lead Day-to-Day Operations: Oversee all plant activities to meet short- and medium-term business objectives across production, maintenance, engineering, and administration.
* Champion Health & Safety: Ensure a safe working environment for all employees while upholding top-tier manufacturing standards.
* Deliver Quality Results: Maintain rigorous process standards to consistently transform raw materials into high-quality finished goods.
* Drive Performance & Efficiency: Set and monitor KPIs across cost control, legal compliance, HR, and operational productivity.
* Budget & Resource Optimization: Establish and manage budgets, allocate resources effectively, and prioritize spending to meet safety, quality, and volume targets.
* Policy & Procedure Leadership: Develop and implement operational policies in collaboration with corporate experts to achieve current and future production goals.
* Invest in Innovation: Identify and recommend new technologies, systems, and assets that enhance production capabilities.
* Develop High-Performing Teams: Lead, coach, and grow a team of functional managers and site professionals to exceed operational targets.
* Strategic Site Leadership: Set and execute plant strategy with a strong focus on Safety, Quality, and Continuous Improvement.
* Operational Excellence: Implement robust process controls and foster a culture of continuous improvement, supporting certifications like BRCGS.
Requirements
Experience we look for:
Essential
* A Master's degree in Engineering, Food Science, or similar.
* Experience in a production environment including food manufacturing methods, process improvement programs and procedures.
* Knowledgeable in M365 and MOMS/MES systems.
* Strong technical background with business and people management skills .
* Experience in Project Management and Leadership.
* Continuous Improvement - advanced (including CAPEX).
* Mother tongue/native level fluency with Dutch and English. Additional European languages (French) would be highly beneficial.
* Ability to respond resourcefully and constructively to new demands, priorities, and challenges.
* Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Desirable
* Tenacious character who challenges the ‘status quo’ and can manage upwards as well as downwards.
* A decision maker with an analytical, strategic, project management mindset.
* Innovative and able to challenge existing processes.
Benefits
What can Westfalia Fruit offer you?
We value your efforts, and we show it not only with words but also with actions.
* Group insurance.
* Mobile Telephone, Laptop, Company Car, Hospitalization and outpatient insurance.
* 20 days paid leave.
* 15% on target bonus (WSTI scheme, based upon individual YER score and Global EBITDA performance) (Currently paid in May, following the performance year).
* Meal vouchers 8€ per day worked (own contribution 1.09€), Yearly 250€ eco cheques (calculated pro rata), Net monthly allowance of 152€.
SYROS DNA
I MAKE IT HAPPEN
a. I TAKE OWNERSHIP
I am accountable and dedicated, taking ownership to ensure commitment and consistency. Staying committed, I can make confident decisions and maintain the momentum needed to achieve our Guacsquad goals.
b. FOCUS TO GET THINGS DONE GOOD AND FAST
My primary focus is on delivering quality results efficiently. I prioritize what really matters and proactively overcome obstacles. I strive to streamline work processes, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and time-wasting activities.
C. I AM THE CUSTOMER.
I actively listen to and value customer feedback. I prioritize customer satisfaction and strive for their happiness. I continuously learn from insights and input, using it to improve our products to make food happen where life happens.
D.CELEBRATE EVERY SUCCESS, big or small.
I believe in collaboration and being decisive also creates success. I create opportunities for Guacsquad fun. I appreciate the contributions of each team member and believe in being a supportive and essential team player.
Ready to take your next step with us? Apply today to join our team of avocado enthusiasts and help shape the future of Syros.
Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.
We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.