Head of Production, Plastics

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This is where you save and sustain lives

At Baxter, we are deeply connected by our mission. No matter your role at Baxter, your work makes a positive impact on people around the world. You'll feel a sense of purpose throughout the organization, as we know our work improves outcomes for millions of patients.

Baxter's products and therapies are found in almost every hospital worldwide, in clinics and in the home. For over 85 years, we have pioneered significant medical innovations that transform healthcare.

Together, we create a place where we are happy, successful and inspire each other. This is where you can do your best work.

Join us at the intersection of saving and sustaining lives—where your purpose accelerates our mission.

With over 1000 people employed, Lessines plant is one of Baxter’s largest production sites outside the USA. It is a global platform for the production of solutions and emulsions for parenteral nutrition, supporting neonatal, pediatric and adult patients’ needs. As the main activity on site, the Sterile Drugs business unit represent a value of production of $187M.

Your Role at Baxter Lessines

As the Head of Production, Plastics, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of manufacturing operations including safety, quality, production, and process improvement. You will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

As a leader you will be key in challenging the status quo and driving changes in a high-velocity environment.

Plastics Department, with a headcount of around 400 people, manufactures containers and closures in GMP regulated environment through the following processes:

Extrusion (film and tube)
Molding and assembly
Heat sealing and RF welding

Your key responsibilities

Lead and manage daily manufacturing operations to meet production targets, quality standards, and customer delivery timelines, within a safe work environment,
Oversee cost management and optimize resources to achieve financial goals,
Implement lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to drive efficiency and reduce waste (Lean Daily Management and Root Cause Problem Solving),
Drive quality improvements to enhance compliance and customer satisfaction,
Monitor and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations,
Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare reports for senior leadership,
Oversee workforce planning, scheduling, and team development to ensure high performance and engagement,
Collaborate with union representatives to maintain a positive working relationship and address employee concerns.
Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company goals,
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, supply chain, and maintenance teams to resolve issues and optimize processes,
Provide technical guidance to the manufacturing team, leveraging knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and practices,
Identify capital improvement opportunities and support budgeting and investment planning leading to year over year standard improvement,
Lead change initiatives and drive automation and digital transformation efforts across manufacturing processes.

Your qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s or MBA preferred),
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment,
Proven track record of managing large teams and complex mass-production processes,
Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence,
Strong technical understanding
Strong financial and business acumen,
Gemba oriented,
Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills,
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills,
Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing software,
Fluent in both French and English

Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Reasonable Accommodations

Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.

Recruitment Fraud Notice

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Address

Explore this location Rue Rene Branquart, 80
7860 Lessines
Belgium Explore This Location

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