Europe&ANZ Manufacturing Excellence (ManEx) Manager, Amsterdam

The role The Europe&ANZ Manufacturing Excellence (ManEx) Manager is responsible for driving the end‑to‑end continuous improvement agenda across the Europe&ANZ Ice Cream manufacturing network. This role plays a critical leadership position in delivering step‑change performance improvements across safety, quality, cost, service, equipment effectiveness, and manufacturing waste, while embedding a zero‑loss mindset and a high‑performance culture across factories.

As a senior leader, this role partners closely with Supply Chain Leadership Teams to deploy the Manufacturing Excellence strategy, build capabilities, and deliver sustainable results through structured continuous improvement programmes and digital enablement.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Lead the deployment and execution of the Manufacturing Excellence (ManEx) strategy across Europe&ANZ factories, ensuring alignment with business priorities and measurable performance impact

Own and drive the end‑to‑end continuous improvement programme, including gap assessments, roadmap definition, and delivery of results

Drive improvements in key manufacturing KPIs such as OEE, waste, cost, reliability, and labour productivity through structured loss elimination and performance management

Coach and influence Factory Directors and leadership teams to embed a zero‑loss mindset and strengthen daily management systems and governance

Build and scale capabilities across sites through training, coaching, and development of ManEx and pillar leaders

Identify, prioritise, and deliver a robust pipeline of savings and productivity improvement initiatives

Drive standardisation and best practice sharing across the network, ensuring consistent application of tools, methods, and governance

Support the development and execution of factory masterplans, integrating continuous improvement, digital, and engineering roadmaps

Lead the digital manufacturing agenda at site level (e.g., deployment of digital tools and data‑driven decision‑making) to accelerate performance

Ensure strong integration of Early Equipment Management (EEM) principles to de‑risk projects and enable vertical start‑up

Demonstrate hands‑on expertise by applying tools and methods on the shopfloor and working together with manufacturing teams for structured problem‑solving for chronic losses

We’re Looking For Someone Who

Has significant experience leading large‑scale continuous improvement programmes in a manufacturing environment, with a strong track record of delivering measurable results

Brings strong hands‑on experience in shopfloor problem‑solving, working directly with operators and technicians to resolve chronic issues and execute continuous improvement programmes

Has operated at a management level or above, with proven experience influencing senior stakeholders such as Factory Directors and leadership teams

Brings deep expertise in Lean / TPM / WCM / Six Sigma or equivalent manufacturing excellence systems

Demonstrates strong leadership capability, with the ability to coach, challenge, and build high‑performing teams across multiple sites

Is highly analytical and data‑driven, with a structured approach to problem‑solving and performance management

Has excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to drive alignment across functions (Operations, Engineering, Finance, Digital, HR)

Has strong experience in capability building, including designing and delivering training and coaching programmes

Is comfortable operating in a complex, multi‑site, international environment, with the ability to manage ambiguity and drive change

Has experience in industries with strong continuous improvement maturity, such as automotive, FMCG, food&beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or advanced manufacturing

What You’ll Get

Market‑competitive pay and performance‑related rewards

Flexible ways of working

Support for health, wellbeing and life outside of work

Time off to rest and recharge

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Specific benefits vary by location

Why join us?

Roles with real accountability and visible impact

Free to move fast, experiment and challenge how things are done

Continuous learning and development as the business grows

Reward linked to performance and contribution

The Magnum Ice Cream Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

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