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We are looking for a Plant Manager in Romania for our client, a non-automotive manufacturing company. The position is based in the Transylvania area.

THE ROLE

The Plant Manager will lead and transform the key production site in Romania, part of an established international industrial group, as the site is entering a new phase of growth and operational maturity, supported by ongoing investments in automation, digitalization, and process improvement.

The mandate is focused on performance, structure, growth, long-term capability building, and digital transformation.

Main responsibilities

• Leading overall plant operations and performance, leading all operational departments;
• Developing and coaching the local management team;
• Improving delivery performance, and operational efficiency;
• Driving KPI-based management and accountability across the organization;
• Supporting continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives;
• Standardizing core operational processes and enforcing scalable, system-based processes;
• Strengthening ERP-usage discipline;
• Leading and developing the local Purchasing function;
• Owning the site budget and cost structure;
• Proposing and implementing investment and improvement initiatives;
• Contributing to ongoing expansion in production capabilities.

INTERNAL STRUCTURE

The role reports to the Operations Manager based at the company’s international HQ in Western Europe and works within a structured international operational framework. He/She will also closely collaborate with the General Manager of the local company.

THE CANDIDATE

Experience

• Minimum 3 years as Plant Manager / Site Manager, having full responsibility for a production site (100+ employees);
• Background in non-automotive industrial manufacturing;
• Experience working in structured, KPI-driven environments;
• Exposure to Western European industrial standards is a must, international experience is a strong plus;
• Native Romanian, fluent business English;
• Availability to travel.

Education & Technical Skills

• Engineering background;
• Strong understanding of production environments;
• Experience with ERP systems (ideally Microsoft Business Central);
• Digital affinity; familiarity with automation, data, IT or AI initiatives;
• CAD/CAM systems and machine control interfaces knowledge is an advantage.

Leadership Style & Mindset

• Clear authority in an industrial environment;
• Modern management practices, based on KPIs and systems;
• Strong execution and follow-through;
• Ability to develop and empower people.

You are someone who:

• Is ambitious, keen on transformation, and digital savvy;
• Brings structure without bureaucracy;
• Strengthens organizational scalability through systems, standards, and operational discipline;
• Solves problems in a structured, preventive way;
• Is a good people leader, communicates transparently and works well across functions.

Why This Role:

• Opportunity to lead a real transformation process;
• Working in an international, structured industrial environment with long-term growth plans;
• High level of autonomy within a clear strategic framework.

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