About the companyThis is a Danish-owned international company with more than 100 years of experience in developing and manufacturing sustainable food packaging solutions.We combine strong craftsmanship, operational know-how and sustainability ambitions to deliver high-quality solutions to customers across Europe.At our production site in Genk, Belgium, we are looking for a hands-on and people-oriented Operations Manager who can lead daily operations while driving continuous improvements and collaboration across the organization.The Operations Manager reports to Group Operations Director and is part of the leadership team.The RoleAs Operations Manager, you are responsible for the daily management and performance of production and warehouse operations in Genk.You ensure that production runs safely, efficiently and according to plan while maintaining high standards within quality, delivery performance and employee engagement.You are a visible leader who spends time in the production environment, follow up on operations closely and work proactively together with foremen, diesetters, packers, warehouse and maintenance to solve challenges and improve performance – we call it One Factory and purpose is to secure stable operations and high delivery reliability.You combine operational discipline with a collaborative leadership style and are comfortable balancing daily operational issues with longer-term improvement initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesDaily operations & performanceEnsure safe and stable daily production operationsFollow up on production plans, output, downtime, waste and operational KPI’sConduct and follow up on daily operational meetings and shift coordinationSecure efficient collaboration between production, warehouse, maintenance, tooling and supply chainEnsure compliance with safety, quality and environmental standardsLeadership & employee engagementBe a visible, approachable and motivating leader in daily operationsBe able to drive activities supporting a good well-being and engagement levelLead and support foremen and employees through clear communication and follow-upCreate structure, accountability and teamwork across shifts and departmentsConduct employee dialogues and support employee developmentEnsure employee involvement and ownership in operational improvementsSupport a positive and respectful working environmentCollaborate constructively with employee representatives and local stakeholders in accordance with Belgian labor practicesWe are looking for a leader who naturally involves employees, listens actively, and creates commitment through presence and dialogue.Continuous improvement & operational developmentDrive continuous improvement initiatives within production processes and workflowsIdentify opportunities for optimization within operations, automation and digital toolsWork actively with lean principles and structured problem-solvingUse operational data and KPI’s to improve efficiency and performanceSupport implementation of new processes and ways of workingEnsure follow-up and execution of agreed improvement actionsThe role requires a pragmatic mindset with focus on execution and creating improvements that work in daily operations.Support functions & matrix collaborationThe Genk site operates with local operational responsibility supported by group functions in DenmarkThe Operations Manager collaborates closely with central support functions and works in a matrix structure with dotted-line collaboration towards Tooling, Maintenance and Facility Management functions at group levelThe Operations Manager will be working closely together with quality on resolving customer claimsThe role requires the ability to balance local operational needs with group standards, technical priorities and cross-site initiativesContribute to knowledge sharing and best practice exchange across all sitesSupport a strong “One Team” mindset locally and across the groupWe are looking for someone who is curious and has a strong willingness to learn from others. A person who respects the past and at the same time applying insights, experience and motivation can create results across teams and sites.Profile & qualificationsWe are looking for an experienced production leader with a strong operational mindset and solid people skills.Preferred qualifications:Several years of experience in a Production/Operations Manager or similar operational leadership roleExperience from a manufacturing or industrial production environmentStrong understanding of production flow, warehouse operations and technical dependenciesExperience leading employees in a shift-based production environmentHands-on experience with continuous improvement and lean toolsComfortable working with KPI’s, operational follow-up and performance managementVery good communication and collaboration skills across all organizational levelsExperience in working in an ISO 9001, ISO14001 and BRCGS certified environment will be an advantageExperience working within Belgian labor conditions and culture is keyTechnical or engineering background is preferredLanguage skills:Fluent in Dutch and English, French is an advantagePersonal characteristicsYou are:A hands-on and visible leader who leads by exampleCapable of and have a strong willingness to learn from others and apply insights and experience to drive continuous improvement and future development.Calm and structured in a busy operational environmentGood at building relationships and creating trustClear and direct in your communicationSolution-oriented and pragmaticComfortable taking ownership and making decisions and at the same time not afraid to ask for helpInterested in improving both people, processes and collaborationTeam-oriented with a strong focus on involvement and cooperationWhy Join?You become part of an international company with strong values, skilled colleagues and ambitious goals for operational excellence and sustainability.We offer:A key leadership role with direct impact on daily operationsA collaborative and informal working environmentOpportunities for professional and personal developmentCross-functional and international cooperation within the GroupA workplace focused on engagement, teamwork and continuous improvement