Plant Manger, PE, Qingyuan Site

Job Title: Plant Manager, PE

City, Country: Qingyuan, Guangdong, China

This is a chance to build and run a manufacturing site even before day one. As Plant Manager, you’ll be hands-on in shaping how the plant operates, how the team works together, and how safety, quality, and performance show up every day. You’ll have real ownership and visibility, with the freedom to improve, experiment, and make decisions that matter. It’s an ideal role for someone who loves building things, solving real problems, and leaving a lasting mark.

Your key responsibilities

• Own Site Start-up & Operational Readiness
  Lead end-to-end site start-up, including commissioning, ramp-up, and stabilization of production, quality, maintenance, and SHE systems, ensuring a smooth transition to safe and reliable operations.
• Drive Manufacturing Performance & Daily Execution
  Manage day-to-day plant operations across Production, Quality, Engineering & Maintenance, and Internal Logistics, delivering strong performance in safety, service, cost, quality, and lead time for a small-scale manufacturing site.
• Build a Safe, Compliant & Quality-First Operation
  Establish and maintain EHS, quality, and operational standards in line with legal, corporate, and certification requirements (e.g., ISO 9001…), promoting a zero-incident safety culture from day one.
• Develop People & Create a High-Performance Culture
  Recruit, develop, and lead a lean, multi-skilled site team; create clarity of roles, accountability, and ownership while fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and strong safety mindset.
• Implement Continuous Improvement & Capacity Optimization
  Identify and address operational constraints, implement practical CI methodologies, and optimize capacity, productivity, and asset utilization to support stable operations and future growth.
• Manage Budget, CAPEX & Stakeholder Alignment
  Own site budget, cost control, and CAPEX execution; define and track KPIs, ensure timely escalation, and align site execution with Business Unit priorities and stakeholders.

We offer

• A Rare End-to-End Plant Build Experience: Full ownership to build, start up, and stabilize a manufacturing site from the ground up — shaping systems, culture, and ways of working from day one.
• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty - explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen
• 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

• Extensive Manufacturing Leadership Experience
  10+ years of experience leading perfumery, FMCG or chemical manufacturing operations, with a proven ability to deliver results in complex, regulated environments.
• Educational Background
  Bachelor’s degree or above. Major in Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline is preferred
• Strong Stakeholder & Matrix Leadership Skills
  Demonstrated experience working with senior stakeholders in a matrix organization, using influence, collaboration, and clear communication to drive outcomes.
• High Accountability & Ownership Mindset
  Takes initiative, speaks up, prioritizes what matters, and consistently follows through on commitments.
• Innovative, Curious & Continuous Improvement-Oriented
  Brings an innovator’s mindset, curiosity, and openness to challenge the status quo, seeking smarter, more sustainable ways to improve performance. Familiar with Lean/TPM(Total Productive Maintenance)/WCM(World-class Manufacturing) is preferred
• Collaborative & Unity-Focused Leader
  Thrives in cross-functional, cross-cultural environments, building alignment and strong partnerships with stakeholders and customers.

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, 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.