Head of Production Site

Travelling: 5-10% in Europe 

INTRODUCTION 
Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Collecchio, near the vibrant city of Parma, dsm-firmenich is proud to announce the opening of a cutting-edge production plant in early 2027. 
The new state-of-the-art facility will feature the latest technologies such as ASTAROME™, to enable the use of liquid flavors in dry blends, and the production of more cost-effective reaction flavors. With automated packaging lines and modern warehouse, sampling, QC lab, and expansion capacity to ship, the site will be a state-of-the-art place to help fulfill the ambition of Taste, Texture & Health of dsm-firmenich. It will be a place where talent and technology come together to fulfill our ambition: shaping the future together and driving the progress of food innovation.

To bring this visionary plant to life, we are seeking an experienced Head of Plant to lead our new production facility. You'll oversee all processes to ensure top-notch customer experience, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Your role will be crucial in driving process improvements, strategic planning, and fostering a culture of zero SHE incidents. You'll also manage budgets and lead the ramp-up phase, ensuring we're ready to hit our production targets.
This is a unique opportunity to take your career to the next level in an inspiring and dynamic environment. Join us and play a key role in shaping the future of food experiences!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Manage and control the plant operation (Planning, Operations, Internal Logistics & Shipping, Maintenance, Sampling, etc.) with full responsibility to achieve short and medium-term financial and operating objectives set by business management.
•    Build, motivate, and lead the plant community in line with dsm-firmenich core values.
•    Give the highest priority to Safety and the protection of Health of our employees, customers, and the general public, as well as the protection of the Environment.
•    Identify, define, and lead initiatives that will drive significant improvements in customer satisfaction and cost savings.
•    Lead implementation of OPEX organization to develop a performance-driven culture by implementing Continuous Improvement/Lean principles and concepts through the value chain.
•    Develop, implement, report, set targets, and control a set of KPIs to support the achievement of plant objectives.

WE BRING
• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty - explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen.
• A chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do.
• A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game-changers, you’ll work on what’s next.
• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership.
• A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
• A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.

 YOU BRING
•    Master's Degree in Chemical, Process, or Management Engineering, or Food Technology.
•    10+ years of plant leadership experience in roles of increasing responsibility within food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or related environments, as well as 8+ years of people management are must criteria 
•    Excellent knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and ISO 9001/14001 standards is strongly desired 
•    Knowledge of workplace safety regulations, including d.Lgs 9 April 2008, n. 81 and related updates.
•    Cross-functional leadership skills with strong influence and communication abilities.
•    High-level analytical and modeling skills with the ability to teach others.
•    Ability to lead the deployment of systematic improvements and organizational capabilities.
•    Fluent in Italian and English – mandatory written and verbal.

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. 

APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume in English via our career portal, latest by the 23d of October 2025. Due to data privacy reasons, we do not handle any applications sent by email. Please be so kind to use the link provided. 

Pre-employment screenings are part of our recruitment process. You will be informed during the process what is expected of you. 

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, 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.