Interim Production Team Lead

The Company
The client is a Dutch/Belgian food manufacturing company focused on frozen snacks, meal components, and private-label food products across Europe.

Role Description
The Interim Production Team Lead is responsible for leading, coaching, and developing a team of production employees while ensuring the efficient execution of the production plan. The role oversees daily operations to ensure production targets are achieved in line with established standards for safety, quality, productivity, hygiene, and compliance. This is a hands-on leadership position that combines people management, operational oversight, problem-solving, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and manage a team of production employees.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, hygiene, technical, and production standards across the department.
• Coordinate and monitor daily production activities to deliver planned output according to the production schedule.
• Manage workforce planning, shift schedules, operational meetings, and performance analysis to optimize production efficiency.
• Participate in and/or lead cross-functional projects and improvement initiatives.
• Identify and implement process improvement opportunities to enhance operational performance.
• Coordinate technical priorities and maintenance activities in collaboration with the Technical Services department and direct management.
• Investigate production deviations and customer complaints, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Train, coach, and develop team members to improve performance and capabilities.
• Support and execute company HR policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of operational procedures, work instructions, and best practices.
• Monitor key performance indicators and drive continuous improvement in operational results.

• MBO+/HBO level of education or equivalent working and thinking level.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a production or logistics environment, preferably in a similar supervisory or team leadership role.
• Experience leading teams within a manufacturing setting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards.
• Understanding of Food Defense principles.
• Familiarity with allergen management requirements.
• Knowledge of workplace safety regulations and procedures.
• Experience with internal audits is preferred.
• BHV (Emergency Response) certification or willingness to obtain.
• VOP NEN 3140 certification or willingness to obtain.
• Relevant on-the-job training and manufacturing compliance training.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational abilities.
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Results-oriented with a focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to drive change and engage teams.

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