Latvia Manufacturing Director Food Ingredients, Starches, Protein m/f/d

• My client — a leading European producer of organic potato starch, plant protein concentrates, specialty flours and B2C products — is strengthening its leadership team.
• We are looking for an experienced Manufacturing Director who will take full responsibility for production operations, drive Lean transformation, and ensure world‑class efficiency, safety, and quality across the factory in Latvia.
• the plant is location at the country side outside of Riga
• This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO.

Latvia is a modern, safe, and fast‑developing EU member state located on the Baltic Sea, known for its clean environment, stable economy, and high quality of life. The country combines Nordic work culture with Central European accessibility, making it an attractive destination for international professionals.

As Manufacturing Director, you will lead all production‑related functions — including manufacturing, warehousing, maintenance, factory services, and production administration — with a clear focus on:

• Safety
• OEE improvement
• Yield optimization
• Waste & rework reduction
• Productivity & cost efficiency

You will be the driving force behind Lean implementation and continuous improvement across all production lines.

• Ensure production targets are met in quality, quantity, and efficiency
• Lead a team of 7 production administrators and 35+ factory employees
• Review production KPIs and ensure compliance with safety, quality, financial and delivery standards
• Maintain a safe working environment in collaboration with EHS teams

• Lead Lean implementation across the plant
• Identify system‑wide productivity opportunities
• Drive high‑impact productivity projects with measurable financial results
• Ensure productivity processes become core business processes

• Support long‑term operational planning and technology upgrades
• Co‑lead equipment purchasing, maintenance, and layout optimization
• Work closely with the CFO on operating budgets (>€2M scope)
• Deliver progress and performance reports to the CEO

• Work in a matrix structure with Planning & Efficiency Director
• Co‑responsible for PPA (Production Plan Accuracy) and PPC (Production Plan Conformance)
• Align with business partners to enable key initiatives

• Safety
• Quality
• Rework & waste
• OEE improvement
• Production variable costs (€/t, man‑hours/t)
• Production plan accuracy & conformance

• 5+ years in operations management or technical manufacturing leadership
• Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering preferred); Master’s degree a plus
• Proven experience managing budgets > €2M
• Strong leadership personality; able to lead change, hire & fire when needed
• Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt strongly preferred
• Excellent communication skills in English; Latvian/Russian a plus
• Ability to thrive in a high‑pressure, fast‑moving environment
• Hands‑on leadership style — leading by example