Job Description

PROBAT B.V.
Operations Director/Site lead


For more than 155 years, PROBAT has stood for pioneering spirit and innovative strength in the coffee industry. Through targeted acquisitions in the food processing sector, intensive technology transfer within the corporate group, and the expansion of a global service network, PROBAT has developed into a leading full-service provider for the food industry. The company designs, develops, and manufactures machines, turnkey production systems, environmental technologies, and intelligent control systems with integrated smart data management.
With around 1,200 employees at locations in Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, Scotland, the Netherlands, and the United States, and a presence in over 40 countries, PROBAT offers its customers comprehensive solutions, excellent service, and in-depth industry expertise – worldwide and from a single source.
Your tasks:

Work Environment:

To strengthen our leadership team in the Netherlands, we are seeking a new Operations Director who will also serve as Site Lead. The Operations Director will be responsible for developing the operations strategy for our production site in Koog aan de Zaan (NL). As Site Lead, you will be the driving force and chair of site related management reviews, and central point of contact also from other sites. You will be able to translate the global manufacturing strategy into tactical and operational objectives for the Production, Logistics, Engineering, and Planning Office departments. This role requires strong leadership, in-depth knowledge of production processes and supply chain management, and a proven track record of optimizing processes within the manufacturing and process industries.

Location:

Koog aan de Zaan

Position in the organization:

The position reports hierarchically to the CEO of Probat BV and functionally to the Group COO.

International connections:

Due to the global structure of our group, there is regular coordination with international offices, particularly with Emmerich, Germany. Project work is often carried out in intercultural teams.



Tasks and responsibilities

Organizational:

Developing the operations strategy for Probat BV Translating the operations strategy into tactical objectives and realizing these within all operational disciplines. Achieving production, engineering, and purchasing results, including budgeting, cost control, investment and subsidy issues, and make-or-buy decisions. Effective and efficient management of Production, Logistics, Engineering and Planning & Work Preparation. Developing and stimulating customer focus, ownership and optimal collaboration within and between the various operational departments. Planning, organizing and managing the operational departments.

Delivery performance and efficiency

Optimizing engineering and production processes (LEAN Manufacturing / Value Stream Engineering) in close collaboration with the global function owners (eg. CTO and COO). Developing, implementing and managing improvement processes (planning, capacity, hours, margins for error). Ensuring reliable planning, accurate cost calculations, delivery reliability and shorter delivery times. Improving the predictability of production processes and optimizing the human-machine ratio. Determining, monitoring and improving operational KPIs and management information in collaboration with Finance. Further development of management information systems

Quality & Facility management

Responsible for achieving the required quality level with regard to the relevant operational processes, products and organization Effective maintenance of the machinery and rolling stock Organizing Facility management: building management, utility maintenance and keeping the necessary permits and certificates for the site up-to-date Monitor compliance with safety, environmental, occupational health and safety, and quality regulations and ensure order and discipline.

What do we expect from you?



Completed HBO education and/or university education, preferably Mechanical Engineering, supplemented with Business Administration or MBA. More than 10 years of proven experience as Operations Director/Plant Manager in the process and/or manufacturing industry, of which at least 5 years in a management role. Work experience within internationally oriented (industrial) environments.
Experience as the person ultimately responsible for the entire production chain: Production, Logistics, Purchasing, Engineering and Planning & Work Preparation.
Demonstrable experience with production and logistics processes within the manufacturing and process industry. In-depth knowledge of and experience with supply chain and integrated solutions within engineering, production and logistics. Experience with modern methods such as LEAN Manufacturing and Value Stream Engineering. Excellent communication skills in Dutch and English; knowledge of German is a plus. Experience with CAD/CAM, cost calculations and financial management. Solid knowledge of MS Office (Excel), Exact and MIS systems.

Personal profile

The ideal candidate is an experienced and inspiring Operations Director with a strong track record in the manufacturing or process industries. You are a natural leader who combines strategic insight with a pragmatic and hands-on mentality. You connect people, inspire teams, and are capable of organizing complex processes clearly and efficiently. With your vision, energy, and perseverance, you will ensure continuous improvement, sustainable results, and a future-proof operations strategy.


Our organization


Do you wish to take a new direction, extend your professional horizon and participate in new developments? All this and much more is possible at PROBAT: whether at our headquarters in Emmerich, at one of our many locations worldwide or directly on site with our customers. Take your chance and become part of our team – get to know our working world and experience how versatile PROBAT is as an employer. Whether as young professional or as experienced professional: at PROBAT you find the perfect conditions to develop and take new directions – all in an international working environment. We offer you challenging tasks, a lot of variety and new opportunities to apply your skills and talents in different projects.

What we offer

A senior position within an international and innovative organization. You'll have the opportunity to make an impact at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels and shape the further growth of the production facility in Koog aan de Zaan. Probat also offers:
An attractive employment benefits package, commensurate with the level of responsibility of the position. Space for personal and professional development. A dynamic working environment with short lines of communication and international contacts. The opportunity to contribute to innovation, sustainability and further professionalization of the organization. Is this position tailor-made for you?


Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy and do you see yourself as a great addition to our team?

We would like to receive your letter of motivation and Curriculum Vitae to the attention of Maaike Punt (Board & HR Assistant) via: careers@probat.com



Would you like to receive more information first? You can also call us on: 075-6126123. Your application will of course be treated confidentially.

Maaike Punt de Ruijter