Senior Operations Manager (Manufacturing / Food / Beverage)

About the role

A leading beverage manufacturing company in South America is looking for an experienced Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead and optimise operations in a modern high-volume bottling facility. The role covers manufacturing performance, maintenance reliability, operational efficiency, food safety compliance and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a strong operational leader with significant experience in FMCG, beverage, food processing or industrial manufacturing.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations across production lines, utilities and packaging areas, ensuring production targets, KPIs and quality standards are met
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement, and monitor efficiency, downtime, waste control and line performance
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance for production and utility systems, including filling lines, compressors, boilers, refrigeration, water treatment and packaging equipment
• Support equipment upgrades, plant modernisation and capital investments, and coordinate with technical suppliers, contractors and engineering partners
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, quality systems and regulations, support audits and implement corrective actions
• Maintain high standards of sanitation, hygiene and workplace safety
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary operational teams, coach supervisors and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and safety

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology or a related discipline
• Minimum 8-10 years of leadership experience in FMCG, beverage, food processing or industrial manufacturing operations
• Proven experience managing large operational teams in a high-volume production environment
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities, and excellent leadership and communication skills

Required skills

• Understanding of automated manufacturing systems, utilities, maintenance management and packaging operations
• Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies are highly desirable

What we offer

• Compensation package with expat benefits: housing allowance, flight allowance, school allowance and medical premium insurance