Director Continuous Improvement Culture & Capability
Director Continuous Improvement / IMPACT Culture & Capability
Location: Barcelona, Spain or Maastricht, Netherlands
The Director Culture & Capability is responsible for sustainably scaling the effective deployment of dsm firmenich’s global continuous improvement system, IMPACT, by engaging operations leadership, creating and embedding the IMPACT Culture approach, and steering the continuous evolution of the IMPACT system within Manufacturing Excellence. Acting as the deputy to the global IMPACT Lead, this role is responsible for managing an effective system enabling the IMPACT scaling across 100+ manufacturing sites worldwide, boosting value creation (e.g. EBITDA savings). This is a hands-on, coaching-focused role requiring deep operational experience, leadership credibility, and a strong ability to engage to drive IMPACT Culture adoption.
Your key responsibilities
• Leading the dsm-f Continuous Improvement (IMPACT) Narrative
• Supporting Senior Leadership Engagement to embed CI Culture at all levels
• Coaching of IMPACT Team and BU Leadership to drive IMPACT Culture adoption
• Developing & Evolving the IMPACT System (Culture & Processes)
• Delivering and Scaling of IMPACT Value Creation
• Driving Cross-Functional Alignment & External Benchmarking
• Coordinating Digital Integration of Performance Tools
We bring
• Collaboration with experts in health, nutrition, and beauty to drive progress.
• Customer-first approach, working with world-renowned brands to turn ideas into impactful solutions.
• Empowerment to make meaningful contributions while upholding ethical standards.
• Recognition and celebration of your efforts and accomplishments.
• Responsibility and accountability in living company values and driving sustainable solutions.
• Supportive environment where individuals are empowered to progress and contribute to meaningful change.
You bring
• 10–15 years of experience in operations leadership, managing sites or regional teams (50+ employees).
• Master’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong background in continuous improvement, Lean, and relevant certifications (Green Belt or higher preferred).
• Proven coaching and change management skills to influence senior leaders and drive cultural transformation.
• Hands-on manufacturing knowledge, ideally in general manufacturing, food, or perfumery sectors.
• Experience operating in a global, matrix organization with excellent English communication skills.
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.
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.
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.