Plant Manager - Lannemezan (France)

Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within Knauf Insulation in the Sustainability team could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us. As a Group we are a global manufacturer of construction materials and our 41,500 team members in 90 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment.

Knauf Insulation is proud to be part of the Knauf Group. We have a 40-year heritage in manufacturing insulation and have big plans for the future. Our global reach in 40 countries continues to grow and we are looking for passionate, ambitious people to join our 6000-strong team and help us achieve our goals. We are all led by the same core values and believe in the powerful potential of large companies to have a positive impact on the world.

In the context of a replacement, Knauf Insulation is looking for a Plant Manager to join the Lannemezan site, in the Hautes-Pyrénées. The Lannemezan site, which opened in 2010, employs around 180 people and produces Glass Mineral Wool in both panels and rolls, in addition to Blowing Wool applications. The site runs in 5 shifts (24/7).

What you’ll be doing:

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Conduct effective leadership of the plant management team. This team currently consists of the following functions: Production Manager, Continuous Improvement Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Maintenance Manager, Process & Quality Manager, HSE Manager, HR Manager, Plant Controller.
• Responsibility for the continual improvement of the site Health and Safety culture displaying strong visible safety leadership. Operate with a total focus on Sustainability improvements in all plant operations.
• Direct production, logistics and maintenance teams to ensure cost effectiveness and consistency with prescribed quality, accuracy and performance standards.
• Ensure plant property, equipment and all plant operations are compliant with legal requirements and local regulations.
• Maintain quality of service by establishing and enforcing organizational standards of continuous improvement (TPM, 5S, CI, lean manufacturing...) through the promotion of organizational values and alignment to the KI CI Framework.
• Define the strategic Vision and Goals for the Lannemezan site. Foster outstanding communication continually, taking into account all aspects of change management. This includes ongoing transparency on the strategic direction of the plant across the Knauf Insulation Group glass wool plants, as well as the targets to be achieved.
• Develop strategic plans by studying technological and financial opportunities; present assumptions; recommend targets and capital investment opportunities. Accomplish agreed site objectives and KPI’s by establishing plans, budgets and the measurement of results. Assign responsibilities; plan, monitor, and appraise job results; develop incentives; develop a climate for sharing constructive feedback and opinions; provide educational and personal development opportunities.
• Allocate resources, review progress and make mid-course adjustments.
• Build company image by collaborating with customers, government, community organizations, and employees.
• Prepare and submit operating reports to management to inform them of current production status and to make recommendations to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Select, train, develop, and motivate manufacturing staff to maintain plant operations. Drive talent reviews, succession planning and ensure development plans are in place.
• Enforce ethical business practices and negotiate with unions on pay claims and matters of common interest.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge; benchmark state-of-the-art practices in close collaboration and alignment with the KI Central Support Teams.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

What we’d love for you to have:

We are interested in you as a person; your attitude, behaviours and values. As long as you have the willingness to learn anything you need for the role that you don't already have, we'd love to speak to you.

We're looking for someone who has:

Education: A university degree in Engineering or Chemistry or equivalent education.

Languages: Fluency in French and English (both written and spoken); German is an asset.

Experience: 10+ years of leadership experience in the B2B industrial manufacturing environment in an international company, ideally in continuous manufacturing process.

Soft skills:

• Excellent leadership and change management skills in a manufacturing environment (engineering, manufacturing), have an entrepreneurial leadership approach.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills, strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive aligned decisions across cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative team player with a track record of driving results, team oriented leadership.
• Financial acumen and a willingness for continuous improvement.

What happens next?

We appreciate that your time is precious and applying for a new job can be a lengthy process - so we have committed to replying to your application within five working days.

Applications need to be submitted by Friday 4th October. The following steps are planned: 2 remote interviews (2 x 1h), assessment center (1 full-day, remotely in native language), 1 half-day on site (plant tour, 1h interview).Potential start-up date: end of October 2024.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) reinforces our Knauf Insulation values of Making Tomorrow a Home for all of us. We are committed to creating a workplace where we all can thrive, whoever we are, and inspiring a culture of inclusion and innovation that will drive future business success. We do our best to make sure being at work feels like home.