Job ID:  80170
Date:  Mar 6, 2026
Job function:  Other
Experience level:  Experienced Hire
Business:  Supply & Commercial Operations

Plant Manager (Manufacturing & Operations)

Job Title: Plant Manager (Manufacturing & Operations)

City: Hortolândia,SP / Jaguaré,SP

 

As a Plant Manager you will be responsible for the end‑to‑end performance of complex industrial operations, leading large, multidisciplinary teams across manufacturing, supply chain, maintenance, EHS, quality, and support functions. This role drives operational excellence, safety, cost efficiency,

and strategic growth, ensuring alignment with regional and global business objectives. At dsm-firmenich, being a force for good is not optional.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a shared responsibility woven into our daily work, benefiting our People, Customers & Communities and driving business value. Equal access to opportunities is a given, belonging is a shared feeling, authenticity is celebrated.

 

Your key responsibilities

 

Strategic & Business Leadership

  • Define and execute short-, medium-, and long‑term (up to 5‑year) strategic plans for the site in alignment with corporate and regional strategies.
  • Own and manage OPEX and CAPEX budgets (typically exceeding USD 10MM annually), including capital prioritization and ROI‑based investment decisions.
  • Lead site performance governance, reporting results to regional and global leadership and ensuring achievement of agreed KPIs.

Operations & Manufacturing Excellence

  • Oversee all manufacturing operations, including production, utilities, maintenance, logistics, quality, and supply chain.
  • Support/involvement in Integrated Business Planning (IBP), S&OP, S&OE, MPS, and detailed plant scheduling processes.
  • Drive continuous improvement through Operational Excellence methodologies such as Lean, TPM, Reliability Engineering, and Six Sigma.
  • Ensure high levels of operational reliability, productivity, yield, and service level.

Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ)

  • Act as the senior site leader for Health, Safety, and Environment, fostering a strong safety and compliance culture.
  • Ensure compliance with local legislation and global standards, including environmental and process safety requirements.
  • Lead quality management systems and certifications (e.g., ISO, FSSC), supporting customer, regulatory, and corporate requirements.

People Leadership & Culture

  • Lead large and diverse workforces (approx. 180+ employees and contractors), both directly and through matrix organizations.
  • Develop leadership capability through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and talent development.
  • Sponsor and lead Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives, including representation targets, cultural transformation, and infrastructure adaptations.
  • Drive employee engagement and a high‑performance, accountability‑based culture.

Projects, Technology & Digital Transformation

  • Support large industrial projects (greenfield and brownfield) with investments
  • Sponsor digitalization initiatives, including production data automation, performance dashboards, and Industry 4.0 / AI applications.
  • Act as site subject‑matter expert for new products, processes, technology transfers, and international implementations.

 

You Bring

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Electronic, or related Engineering discipline.
  • MBA or Postgraduate specialization in Industrial Administration, Business Administration, or equivalent.
  • Extensive experience in multinational industrial environments (chemical, food, automotive, or process industries).
  • Proven track record in senior operational leadership roles such as Site Manager, Plant Manager, or Industrial Director.
  • Experience managing complex, high‑risk operations with strong governance and compliance requirements.
  • International exposure and experience working with global and regional stakeholders.
  • Strong expertise in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Reliability, and EHS.
  • Solid financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and capital investment justification.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Reliability Engineering, and Six Sigma (Green Belt or equivalent).
  • Strong change management, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Leadership style focused on people development, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Portuguese: Advanced to Fluent proficiency (written, spoken, and listening)
  • English: Advanced to Fluent proficiency (written, spoken, and listening)
  • Spanish: Conversational proficiency

 

We Bring

 

  • A rich history and a promising future of bold scientific innovation and passionate creation with our customers.
  • A space to grow by encouraging and supporting curiosity and an open mindset.
  • A culture that prioritizes safety and well-being, both physically and mentally.
  • The opportunity to work for a company where sustainability is much more than a claim and is core to our strategy and purpose.
  • A flexible work environment that empowers people to take accountability for their work and own the outcome.
  • Barrier-free communities within our organization where every employee is equally valued and respected – regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.

 

How to apply

 

Interested in this job? Apply online by submitting your resume through our career portal. Generally, the procedure will be in line with the application process described on the dsm-firmenich careers website. Due to privacy regulations, we can only actively interact with applications through the career portal.

 

Equal opportunities commitment

 

dsm-firmenich is fully dedicated to inclusion because when people feel engaged and empowered, their creativity and innovation drives unprecedented progress. We aim to build a workplace where opportunity really is equal, so everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate: (here,) there’s a place for everyone with us.

 

dsm-firmenich is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Our people are as diverse as our customers. For us that includes a commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related

reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. 

 

We are committed to providing reasonable support for disabled applicants in our recruiting process. Should you need assistance, and are comfortable to share this, please let us know.

 

About dsm-firmenich

 

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions,

with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch

 company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people.

 

www.dsm-firmenich.com