Plant Manager

At HeiQ , LSE:HEIQ), we are on a mission to improve the lives of billions of people by "heiqing" materials. Since our inception as spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) in 2005, we have created some of the most effective, durable and high-performing technologies on the market today. Over 300 brands like Burberry, Zara, Burton, Patagonia, Speedo, Uvex, Itochu, or Serta Simmons sell products with our technologies inside. This makes every-day products more functional, more comfortable and more sustainable – and has won us 18 awards that we are proud of.

HeiQ combines the flexibility and dynamism of a young and customer-oriented company with the professionalism of an international, UK stock market listed player. To grow our production capabilities, we are looking for a:

Plant Manager (100%)

The Plant Manager is a pivotal leadership role within HeiQ Chrisal, responsible for overseeing the entirety of the cleaning product manufacturing facility in Lommel, Belgium. This role demands a dynamic leader adept at managing complex production processes, driving operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. Reporting directly to the COO, the Plant Manager will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, quality control, and logistics, to ensure the seamless production and delivery of high-quality cleaning products.

• Leadership and Team Development: Spearhead the production team, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Develop and mentor staff, fostering leadership at all levels within the plant.
• Operational Excellence: Craft and execute operational strategies aimed at enhancing production efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring product quality. Employ lean manufacturing principles to minimize waste and optimize productivity.
• Quality and Compliance: Guarantee adherence to quality standards and regulatory compliance, ensuring products meet both market demands and regulatory obligations.
• Safety Culture: Champion a safe working environment, strictly enforcing health and safety guidelines and nurturing a culture that prioritizes safety.
• Collaboration and Integration: Work closely with other departments to ensure that production planning aligns with market demand, facilitating smooth and timely product delivery.

• Resilient and Adaptable: You thrive in dynamic environments and are quick to adapt to changes, maintaining focus and composure under pressure. Resilience is key in navigating the complexities and unexpected challenges of manufacturing.
• Decisive and Proactive: Known for your ability to make informed decisions quickly, you proactively address issues before they escalate, ensuring smooth operations and continuous improvement.
• Empathetic Leader: You possess a strong ability to understand and relate to your team, fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. This empathy drives your approach to leadership, helping you mentor and develop your team effectively.
• Innovative Thinker: Creativity and innovation are part of your mindset. You constantly seek out new ways to improve processes and products, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
• Detail-Oriented: With an eye for detail, you ensure that every aspect of production meets strict standards and that nothing is overlooked, from safety measures to quality control.
• Strategic Planner: You excel in strategic planning, aligning day-to-day operations with long-term goals. Your forward-thinking approach helps in setting clear, actionable objectives that drive the company forward.
• Ethically Driven: Integrity guides your professional actions and decisions. You bring a strong sense of ethics to your role, ensuring that all business practices not only comply with laws but also align with the company's values.
• Communicator: Effective communication is one of your strengths. You can articulate ideas clearly and listen actively, ensuring that all voices are heard and that the communication flow supports team cohesion and clarity of purpose.

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Production Management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in management or specific manufacturing methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing) are advantageous.
• Professional Experience: Proven track record in a leadership role within production or operations, with a preference for experience in the chemical, cosmetic, food or detergent manufacturing sectors. Demonstrated ability to lead through change and drive operational improvements.
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement strategies. Familiarity with the specific quality standards and regulations of the cleaning products industry is highly desirable.
• Leadership Skills: Exceptional leadership and communication abilities in English and Dutch, capable of motivating a diverse team, driving development, and fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical capabilities with a proven record of tackling complex problems through strategic planning and execution.
• IT Excellence: Demonstrated ability to work with ERP Systems, ideally Odoo and interest to improve them. Ability to work with digital tools, good excel skills, MPS systems, QMS systems. Ability to code is an advantage.

• A pivotal role in a dynamic and growing international company, offering the opportunity to lead a critical operational function within HeiQ.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement, aligning with HeiQ's commitment to fostering leadership and innovation.
• An attractive compensation package, reflective of the seniority and strategic importance of the role.

Does that sound like a great challenge to you? Then we look forward to receiving your complete application in English including motivation letter, CV, working references, certificates and salary expectation. Only suitable candidates will be contacted. Applications of Non-EU/EFTA Citizens without valid work permit for the EU cannot be considered. We will be in touch as soon as possible.

HeiQ is a three-in-one company: Scientific research, Specialty materials manufacturing and Consumer ingredient branding, all for improving the lives of billions of people by adding functionalities to all kinds of materials. HeiQ is a leader in textile innovation creating some of the most effective, durable and high-performance textile technologies in the market today.

• Founded in 2005 during a hike in the Swiss Alps
• Listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market (LSE:HEIQ) since 2020
  
• Founders: Carlo Centonze & Dr. Murray Height
  
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) spin-off
  
• More than 200 professionals of 30 nationalities in 13 countries on 5 continents
  
• Boundless academic research network and internal development specialists
  
• Today, PhD's around the world are working on HeiQ projects
  
• Swiss headquarters with subsidiaries in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and USA
  
• 35,000 tonnes per year manufacturing capacity in its sites in Switzerland, Australia & USA