Interim Manufacturing Operations Manager – Beverage Bottling

About the role

GateSource HR is recruiting an Interim Manufacturing Operations Manager on behalf of a beverage manufacturer in Suriname. The assignment lasts 3 to 6 months and covers production stabilization, maintenance improvement and the commissioning of an additional bottling line. The successful candidate will increase reliable output, strengthen operational discipline and develop local teams, while keeping strict food safety and product quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily production and maintenance across two bottling lines and stabilize the existing line against the production plan.
• Lead commissioning and ramp-up of the new line, including trials, performance testing, issue resolution and transition to routine production.
• Set and monitor targets for output, OEE, downtime, yield, waste, line speed, changeovers and plan attainment.
• Resolve bottlenecks, recurring breakdowns and minor stops; strengthen preventive maintenance, maintenance planning, root-cause analysis and spare-parts management.
• Improve production-maintenance coordination through shift handovers, daily reviews and clear escalation procedures.
• Maintain compliance with workplace safety, food safety, sanitation and quality standards.
• Coach supervisors, shift leaders, operators and technicians, and report weekly progress to management.
• Deliver an initial diagnostic, stabilization and commissioning plans, a daily operating management system, and a 90-day priority plan for the permanent manager.

Required profile

• Senior production, plant or manufacturing management experience in beverage bottling, food processing, FMCG or similar high-speed manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success commissioning, stabilizing or ramping up production or packaging lines.
• Experience leading high-volume, continuous, shift-based operations and with international equipment manufacturers.
• Experience in an international branded beverage bottling system strongly preferred.
• Full-time availability in the country throughout the assignment.

Required skills

• Preventive maintenance, asset reliability and technical problem-solving.
• OEE, downtime analysis, Lean methods and loss elimination.
• Food safety, product integrity and quality management systems.