About Our Client

Our client is a global leader in the packaging industry, with over 5,000 employees across 20+ industrial sites in 10+ countries. One of their manufacturing sites in Poland, with around 300 employees and generating ±50m EUR in revenue, is undergoing a transition due to a decline in consumer demand and internal management promotions.

Role Overview

The interim manager will be responsible for:

• Customer Operations: Managing customer satisfaction, internal sales, customer care, and daily communication with customers, supported by the back-office team. This does not include manufacturing responsibilities.
• Operational Analysis: Reviewing the current operational model, analyzing the feasibility of 3 shifts vs. 4 shifts, and preparing variance analysis based on actual sales forecasts.
• Performance Improvement: Implementing performance improvement measures aimed at achieving operational excellence through agile and lean methods in close cooperation with the headquarters in Western Europe.

Project Description

The interim manager’s responsibilities include:

• Customer Operations: Overseeing the customer care department, ensuring timely processing of customer requests, and communicating with the back-office team.
• Operational Planning: Preparing FTE forecasts and variance analysis based on sales forecasts, analyzing the feasibility of shift models, and aligning headcount demand with other Group companies.
• Analysis Delivery: Providing a factual analysis on FTE requirements for the manufacturing process within the first 4 weeks, based on the consolidated sales forecast for 2025.

Required Skills:

• Experience: Plant Manager, COO, or Operations Director with 10+ years of experience in high-volume production (non-automotive sector).
• Analytical Abilities: Proficient in preparing forecasts, variance analysis, and sensitivity analysis.
• International Experience: Experienced in working within international matrix organizations.
• Communication: Strong communication skills in English and Polish, with the ability to engage both internally and externally.

Key Requirements:

• Experience in: Performance improvement, Lean, and Operational Excellence in a high-volume manufacturing environment with ±300 employees.
• Skills in: Budget preparation, headcount planning, and FTE calculations.
• Role Type: Hands-on operational role requiring senior managerial skills.

Assignment Details:

• Type: Interim
• Scope: Performance Improvement and Lean
• Location: Łódź, Poland
• Duration: 3-6 months
• Start Date: August 2024