Operation Start-Up Lead (Manufacturing – Infant Nutrition)

Role Purpose We are seeking a highly experienced professional to lead the operational planning and execution of manufacturing investment projects within a highly regulated food manufacturing environment (infant formula). This role requires deep hands-on expertise in commissioning, operational readiness, and production start-up, with strict adherence to food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Candidates must be able to operate in a sensitive production environment where zero compromise on safety and compliance is required. Key Responsibilities 1. End-to-End Project Leadership Own and lead the operations start-up strategy from project charter to commercial production Define scope, success criteria, and operational requirements aligned with business and regulatory needs Develop and enforce a robust Operations & Start-up Plan 2. Operational Readiness & Compliance Ensure full readiness across people, materials, processes, and systems before start-up Identify and mitigate operational risks, especially those impacting product safety and compliance Ensure all activities meet strict food safety, quality (e.g. hygiene, contamination control), and regulatory standards expected in infant nutrition manufacturing 3. Commissioning & Start-up Execution Lead commissioning, qualification, and verification in a highly controlled production environment Ensure all permits, validations, and regulatory approvals are secured before start-up Deliver projects meeting non-negotiable cost, timeline, quality, and safety targets 4. Production Ramp-Up & Handover Drive a stable and compliant ramp-up to production, ensuring product integrity at all times Ensure full documentation, validation, and readiness for factory handover Accountable for delivering output within defined cost, timing, and quality expectations 5. Leadership & Stakeholder Management Lead a cross-functional project team across engineering, quality, operations, and external partners Drive strict execution discipline and …