Production Manager – PB Leiner USA

PB Leiner is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality gelatins and collagen peptides. We supply a growing market in food, pharma, health nutrition and technical applications. In all our efforts, we strive to be The Clear Solution for our customers. We spot and exploit opportunities and try to anticipate future trends for them. We pursue outstanding quality and choice, as well as smooth delivery. We have a global presence in terms of both our plants and sales support and count approximately 1,300 collaborators worldwide.

PB Leiner is part of Tessenderlo Group (Euronext: TESB), a global industrial group that focuses on agriculture, valorizing bio-residuals, machinery, mechanical engineering, electronics, energy, and industrial solutions for water management. With its headquarters in Belgium, the group is active in over 100 countries and it has a global team of more than 7,500 employees. At the heart of the strategy of Tessenderlo Group lies the conviction that “Every Molecule Counts”: in everything we do, we seek to further valorize our products and our processes, and to add value. For more information about Tessenderlo Group, visit www.tessenderlo.com.

Production & Operations Management

• Oversee all manufacturing activities within the gelatin plant to ensure on-time, in-full delivery aligned with budget and quality targets.
• Lead daily, weekly, and monthly production planning in coordination with S&OP processes.
• Coordinate planned shutdowns with the maintenance department for preventive/corrective maintenance and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure cost efficiency in the use of raw materials, consumables, chemicals, MRO items, and energy.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives to improve production efficiency.
• Submit manufacturing KPI reports to senior management.
• Provide input on S&OP planning, energy procurement, and raw material inventory planning.
• Prepare and manage CAPEX proposals related to manufacturing.
• Manage the production budget, including both volume and cost control.
• Support trials and process development projects aimed at improving product quality, efficiency, or innovation.

Innovation & Optimization

• Advise on and implement process improvements and new technology introductions to enhance production performance and profitability.
• Initiate and promote cost-saving and efficiency-enhancing projects.
• Provide technical input on improvement project specifications.
• Collaborate with Project and Process Development teams on large-scale initiatives.
• Advise the Maintenance Manager on improvement projects.
• Contribute to investment planning and evaluation.

Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ)

• Ensure compliance with food safety, GMP, ISO, and HSE standards across production activities.
• Develop a safe working environment through effective procedures, technical improvements, and training.
• Maintain traceability of raw materials and consumables in gelatin batches.
• Support the HACCP team and promote continuous improvement of the HACCP system.
• Provide guidance on SHEQ strategy, policy, and food safety matters.

Utilities: Water, Wastewater & Off-Site Services

• Oversee water collection, treatment, wastewater processing, and effluent disposal to meet regulatory standards.
• Ensure reliable delivery of off-site services supporting gelatin and collagen production.
• Manage operations to minimize equipment downtime.
• Control the budget for water treatment, wastewater, and off-site services.
• Ensure timely completion of regulatory inspections and maintenance shutdowns.

People Management

• Develop and lead a high-performing, motivated manufacturing team aligned with production goals.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and general training in collaboration with HR.
• Ensure role-specific training, performance evaluation, motivation, and discipline within the team.
• Foster collaboration with union representatives and maintain constructive labor relations.
• Promote a team-oriented culture focused on achieving departmental KPIs.

Department Management & Administration

• Develop and monitor the annual manufacturing budget, ensuring monthly control and corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date operational procedures for gelatin production, water/wastewater processes, and off-site services.
• Submit operational performance reports to senior leadership.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in production management, preferably in the food or chemical industry
• Proven track record of implementing process improvements and optimizing production efficiency
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and quality control methodologies
• Experience with ERP systems and production management software
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• In-depth understanding of food safety regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Willingness to work on-site in Davenport, United States

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

PB Leiner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.