Senior Manager Strategic Plant Improvement
Location: LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE (Belgium)
INTRODUCTION
The Louvain-la-Neuve site is a strategic hub for dsm-firmenich’s Taste, Texture & Health (TTH) business, driving innovation and production in the food and beverage sector. With a collaborative culture and significant CAPEX investments, the site offers exciting opportunities to lead transformative change, optimize processes, and modernize operations.
To lead this transformation, we are seeking a Senior Manager, Strategic Plant Improvement. This pivotal role will lead all improvement initiatives: from process optimization to equipment upgrade - while shaping the site’s master plan and guiding a multidisciplinary team. It’s a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact and grow as a strategic operations leader.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Define and execute the site’s master improvement plan, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives.
• Drive all improvement initiatives across processes, equipment, and continuous improvement programs to maximize efficiency and performance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of project leaders and engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Ensure on-time delivery of improvement projects with clear, measurable outcomes that support long-term success.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to embed innovation and operational excellence throughout the organization.
• Track and analyze performance metrics, adapting strategies to sustain improvements and achieve ambitious targets.
WE BRING
• A chance to lead strategic improvement projects at a flagship production site, shaping the future of manufacturing excellence.
• Collaboration with passionate experts across engineering, operations, and innovation teams.
• A purpose-driven culture where sustainability and progress go hand in hand. Career development through mentoring, leadership programs, and global mobility opportunities.
• Access to cutting-edge tools and platforms that support continuous learning and performance.
• A workplace where your voice matters, your impact is visible, and your growth is supported.
YOU BRING
• University degree in Food Engineering, Business Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading improvement initiatives within food ingredients or chemical manufacturing environments.
• Proven leadership capability to guide multidisciplinary teams and drive transformational change.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate site objectives into actionable, results-driven plans.
• Expertise in data-driven decision-making, leveraging performance tracking tools to ensure measurable impact.
• Collaborative and influential, able to build strong relationships across functions and organizational levels.
• Curious, accountable, and committed to continuous improvement, fully aligned with our core values.
• Fluency both in English and French
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. 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.