Senior Manager- Manufacturing in Jeddah, KSA

It's a contractual role for 1 year (can convert to a permanent role based on your performance and business need)

We are reaching out to share and discuss a potential career opportunity with one of our Business Partner/clients. They are currently seeking a seasoned and motivated Senior Manager- Manufacturing to join their team.

About the Company:

Established in 1976, it has become a leading food manufacturer, seller, and distributor based in Saudi Arabia with operations across the Middle East. The company is a market leader in Saudi Arabia in Long Life Milk, Tomato Paste, and Ice Cream, marketing its core products under its flagship.

The company’s corporate mission is: “To develop, produce, and market a range of nutritious food propositions for consumers of all age groups and create maximum shareholder value through teamwork.” This mission remains the company’s drive as it explores consumer needs to seek out more relevant product offerings to add to the product range.

Job Title: Senior Manager, Manufacturing

Location: Jeddah, KSA; Department: Manufacturing / Operations; Type: Contractual

Job Summary:

The Senior Manager, Manufacturing will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day manufacturing operations across multiple product categories, including UHT Milk, Ice Cream, Feta Cheese, Tomato Paste, and Snacks. This role focuses on optimizing production efficiency, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards, and driving process improvements. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in food manufacturing and a results-driven approach to operational execution.

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Operations:

1. Oversee daily factory operations, including production, maintenance, quality, and storage, ensuring efficiency and adherence to safety and hygiene standards.
2. Allocate resources effectively and optimize asset utilization for improved productivity.
3. Monitor and analyze factory KPIs, supporting cost reduction initiatives and efficiency improvements.
4. Identify and eliminate waste through data-driven process enhancements.
5. Prepare weekly and monthly reports on factory performance, highlighting key insights.
6. Ensure compliance with food safety, environmental, and regulatory procedures in line with international and company standards.
7. Support continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
8. Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, R&D, and project teams, on new product development and equipment commissioning.

Health, Safety, & Compliance:

1. Ensure strict adherence to Health & Safety policies and procedures.
2. Promote best practices in workplace safety and participate in safety audits.
3. Review accident and near-miss investigations, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
4. Conduct shift audits and monitor operational efficiency to identify areas for improvement.
5. Ensure compliance with HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP, and other food industry regulatory standards.

Financial & Budgetary Management:

1. Assist in managing the factory’s operating (OPEX) and capital (CAPEX) budgets.
2. Monitor and optimize operational expenses while maintaining productivity.
3. Track financial performance and support cost-saving initiatives to improve operational efficiency.

Qualifications & Skills:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
2. 7–10 years of experience in food manufacturing, dairy processing, or plant operations.
3. Strong technical knowledge in UHT Milk, Ice Cream, Feta Cheese, Tomato Paste, and Snacks production.
4. Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and other process improvement methodologies.
5. Knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP for manufacturing and supply chain management.
6. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Desired Skills:

1. Experience in the Middle Eastern dairy and food production industries.
2. Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies.
3. Familiarity with automation, digitalization, and Industry 4.0 trends in manufacturing.

Employment Terms:

1. Contractual (1-year term), with potential renewal or permanent placement based on performance.
2. Competitive compensation package aligned with industry standards.
3. Opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Why Join Us?

This role offers an opportunity to execute and optimize manufacturing operations in a dynamic and growing industry. Be part of a team focused on improving operational efficiencies, quality standards, and process excellence in food production.