Production Director

Position Summary:

Directs the production department and its incorporated processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver Production Performance Against Pack Plan

• Achieve targeted production efficiency levels (e.g., OEE, production lines’ efficiency, throughput rates, recovery, etc) in alignment with annual and seasonal operational plans.

• Ensure production volumes meet forecasted demand while maintaining strict adherence to cost‑per‑unit and yield targets.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, optimize resource utilization, and improve cost competitiveness.

Lead Technological Upgrades and Automation

• Evaluate, propose, and implement new machinery and automation solutions that enhance productivity, product quality, and environmental performance.

• Conduct ROI analyses, payback period assessments, and capacity modeling to support investment decisions.

• Oversee commissioning, validation, and integration of new equipment into existing production lines.

Advance Sustainability and Process Modernization

• Integrate sustainable development practices into production processes, focusing on energy efficiency, water reduction, waste minimization, and circular‑economy principles.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to upgrade mechanical systems and adopt Industry 4.0 technologies (e.g., real‑time monitoring, predictive maintenance, digital traceability).

Ensure Operational Excellence and Compliance

• Meet or exceed established KPIs for safety, quality, hygiene, and regulatory compliance (HACCP, ISO, BRC, IFS, environmental standards).

• Maintain robust documentation, audit readiness, and continuous alignment with food safety protocols.

• Implement risk‑mitigation strategies to ensure uninterrupted production during peak seasonal periods.

New Product Development & Innovation

• Elaborate in cross‑functional teams (i.e., Group R&D, Marketing, Procurement) to develop and industrialize mainly new fruit‑based products or else.

• Oversee pilot trials, scale‑up processes, and cost modeling to ensure successful market introduction.

• Monitor global trends and similar activities to identify innovation opportunities for DMH Production facilities and process.

Full Production Coordination & Leadership

• Direct all production activities, including planning, scheduling, maintenance coordination, workforce management, and raw material flow.

• Manage and develop production teams, ensuring skill‑building, performance monitoring, and succession planning.

• Ensure seamless direction between production, supply chain (w/h & labeling), procurement, and quality departments (control & assurance) to maintain optimal operational flow.

Required Skills and Abilities:

Educational Background

• Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical), Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 8+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, operations, or industrial production environments, ideally within the food processing or FMCG sector.
• Proven track record in managing production KPIs (OEE, yield, throughput, downtime reduction, cost per unit optimization).

Technical & Operational Expertise

• Deep understanding of production operations, industrial processes, maintenance coordination, and administrative workflows.
• Strong familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems, production planning tools, and data driven decision making.

Leadership & Organizational Skills

• Exceptional organizational capabilities, with the ability to independently manage and prioritize multiple tasks under tight deadlines while maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, drive performance, and foster a culture of accountability and operational excellence.

Global & Cultural Competence

• Experience working in global, multicultural environments, with strong cultural awareness and adaptability.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with international stakeholders, suppliers, and cross border teams.

Soft Skills & Communication

• Excellent management, time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication and presentation abilities, capable of conveying technical and operational concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Language Skills

• Bilingual proficiency, ideally fluent French and fluent English.

Equivalent Experience

• At least 10+ years of total professional experience in multinational or matrix structured organizations, demonstrating the ability to operate within complex reporting lines and cross functional frameworks.

**Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses. ***

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Our diverse product portfolio also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts—available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we’ve proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.

We are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fresh Del Monte and its affiliates do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We also participate in E-Verify* where applicable, to ensure employment authorization eligibility. Driven by our core values—Excellence, Care, Passion, Trust, and Creativity—we invite you to explore our career opportunities and join our FRESH team.