Back to search

Plant Project Manager - Dairy Facility

Istanbul Kalıcı View Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the end-to-end establishment of a brand-new, large-scale food manufacturing facility in Turkey. This role will oversee plant construction, commissioning, operational structuring, and alignment with global standards while partnering closely with international leadership teams.

Updated on 06/05/2026

  • Dairy Industry Knowledge
  • Global food manufacturing company

About Our Client

We are partnering with a global leader in the dairy and dairy-based food manufacturing industry, headquartered in the United States with operations spanning over 100 countries. The company is now establishing a brand-new production facility in Turkey as part of its long-term strategic growth plan and aims to position this site as a key manufacturing hub within its global network.

Job Description

  • Lead the complete setup, construction, and commissioning phases of a new greenfield manufacturing facility .
  • Develop and implement the operational framework for core functions including Production, Quality, Maintenance, Planning, Supply Chain, and Engineering.
  • Establish and promote a strong TPM across the site, driving OEE improvements, process reliability, and continuous efficiency initiatives.
  • Ensure full compliance with global quality, food safety, and operational excellence standards including ISO, HACCP, GMP, and EHS.
  • Coordinate cross-functional project timelines, budgets, and resource planning in alignment with global engineering and operations teams.
  • Lead cost-optimization and productivity-improvement projects that support long-term competitiveness and plant performance.
  • Conduct feasibility analyses for new product lines, new filling lines, and capacity expansion projects.
  • Build and structure the operational organization during the pre-production and post-startup phases.
  • Prepare and deliver regular project status updates, risk assessments, and KPI reporting to global senior management.
  • Oversee vendor selection, contractor management, and ensure adherence to engineering specifications and safety protocols.



The Successful Applicant

  • Minimum 8-12 years of experience in food manufacturing, with strong preference for candidates coming from the dairy sector due to similar processing requirements (pasteurization, homogenization, mixing, filling, hygiene).
  • Proven experience leading large-scale plant installation, greenfield projects, factory commissioning, or major expansion projects.
  • Strong knowledge of TPM, OEE, Lean Manufacturing, and operational excellence methodologies.
  • Fluent in English; able to collaborate daily with global engineering, operations, and supply chain teams.
  • Solid understanding of quality, food safety, and safety management systems (ISO / HACCP / GMP / EHS).
  • Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.



What's on Offer

  • A strategic, high-visibility leadership role reporting directly to global management.
  • Competitive salary package, relocation support where needed, and comprehensive benefits.
  • Long-term career opportunities within a multinational organization with worldwide operations.
  • The chance to build and shape a brand-new facility, and operational model.
Consultant
Cansu Özdemir
Quote job ref
JN-032026-6968390

Job summary

Sector
Engineering & Manufacturing
Sub Sector
Production, Manufacturing
Industry
Industrial / Manufacturing
Location
Istanbul
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Cansu Özdemir
Job Reference
JN-032026-6968390