Senior Manager Operations

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Collecchio, near the vibrant city of Parma, dsm-firmenich is proud to announce the opening of a cutting-edge production plant in early 2027. The new state-of-the-art facility will feature the latest technologies such as ASTAROME™, to enable the use of liquid flavors in dry blends, and the production of more cost-effective reaction flavors. With automated packaging lines and modern warehouse, sampling, QC lab, and expansion capacity to ship, the site will be a state-of-the-art place to help fulfill the ambition of Taste, Texture & Health of dsm-firmenich. It will be a place where talent and technology come together to fulfill our ambition: shaping the future together and driving the progress of food innovation. We’re looking for a seasoned Senior Manager Operations, who will drive plant performance, empower teams, and deliver results that matter - this is the leader we’re looking for to make a real impact. This is a unique opportunity to take your career to the next level in an inspiring and dynamic environment. Join us and play a key role in shaping the future of food experiences! KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead and oversee all plant operations (Production, Scheduling/Sampling, Maintenance), with full accountability for achieving short- and mid term financial and operational objectives set by the Plant Director, while building and leading a strong operations organization. • Build, inspire, and develop a high performing operations team, fostering a culture of safety, quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and ensuring efficient management of processes and equipment. • Ensure proactive compliance with GMP standards across all production areas, meeting and exceeding internal and external audit requirements. • Champion safety, health, and environmental protection, giving the highest priority to the well being of employees, customers, the general public, and the environment. • Lead and deliver key operational projects that support business transformation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. • Monitor and report plant performance through KPIs, highlighting achievements, identifying gaps, and driving corrective actions to ensure delivery of plant objectives. WE BRING • Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty - explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen. • A chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do. • A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game-changers, you’ll work on what’s next. • Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership. • A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on. • A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.’ YOU BRING • Master’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, or Supply Chain Management. • At least 5 years of proven experience leading plant or operations teams in a manufacturing environment (Food, Pharma, or related industries). • Demonstrated success in driving operational performance, delivering projects, and embedding continuous improvement. • Strong capability to define, implement, and manage KPIs, with a track record of achieving financial and operational targets. • Inspiring leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, develop, and engage high performing teams. • High level of accountability, integrity, resilience with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and compliance. • Both Italian and English fluent. ABOUT DSM-FIRMENICH At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them. Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life. From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere. And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future. Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together. APPLICATION PROCESS Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume in English via our career portal, latest by 16th of June 2026. Due to data privacy reasons, we do not handle any applications sent by email. Please be so kind to use the link provided. Pre-employment screenings are part of our recruitment process. You will be informed during the process what is expected of you. INCLUSION, BELONGING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you. And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help - just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work. AGENCY STATEMENT We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.