Production Manager

Medemblik, Netherlands - On-Site (Day Shift)
Up to €60,000 + 10% Bonus + Holiday Allowance (13th Month)

Are you a Production or Shift Leader working in fast-paced manufacturing environments?

Are you looking for a role where you can take ownership of a challenging production area, stabilise performance, and make a visible impact on people, culture, and output?

On offer is a unique opportunity to take over one of the most critical production areas on site - a complex assembly line supplying essential plastic-based products to the healthcare and laboratory sector. You'll play a key role in improving performance, reducing turnover, and building a more engaged, stable, and high-performing team.

This company is a global leader in life sciences manufacturing, supporting hospitals and laboratories worldwide with high-quality, essential products. Known for its strong market position and impact on healthcare, it offers a stable environment with real scope to influence operations at site level.

In this role, you will take full responsibility for a large assembly value stream, overseeing both direct and indirect reports across multiple layers of leadership. You will focus heavily on people leadership, team development, and driving operational improvements within a high-pressure, high-turnover environment.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on production leadership experience, with the ability to manage large, diverse teams and strike the right balance between authority and approachability. Strong communication skills and the ability to operate across different cultures and levels are key.

This role is ideal for a Production Supervisor, Shift Manager, or Department Manager looking to step into a broader leadership role, or for an experienced manager seeking a highly visible position with real transformation potential.

The Role:

* Lead and manage a complex assembly production line within a high-volume manufacturing environment
* Oversee a large, multi-layered team including shift leaders, team leaders, and operators
* Drive production performance, output, and efficiency across the value stream
* Address key challenges including high turnover, absenteeism, and team engagement
* Implement and drive Lean and continuous improvement initiatives (e.g. Kaizen, process optimisation)
* Work cross-functionally with QA, Engineering, HR, and site leadership
* Build structure, accountability, and a positive team culture within the department

Who We're Looking For:

* Experience in a Production Manager, Shift Manager, or similar leadership role
* Proven ability to manage large teams in manufacturing or operational environments
* Strong people leadership skills - able to balance authority with empathy and engagement
* Experience in production, assembly, food, medical, or similar environments (industry flexible)
* Exposure to Lean, continuous improvement, or operational excellence initiatives
* Strong communication skills with the ability to engage across different cultures and levels
* Dutch language skills (B2+/C1) and fluent English

What We Offer:

* €5,000 monthly salary + holiday allowance (13th month equivalent)
* 10% performance bonus
* High-impact leadership role with full ownership of a key production area
* Stable, global life sciences organisation
* Opportunity to drive real operational and cultural change