Site Director, Yantai
Yantai, Shandong, China
Onsite
dsm-firmenich TTH is one of the world's leading suppliers of food and beverage industrial in taste, texture and health. The Yantai site is the only site globally producing pectin, which is one strategically important category of texture in TTH. Externally, China legislation continues to develop fast and standards are increasing. In this role, you will develop, implement and realize the site manufacturing plan, within the BU/Category and Operation strategy and in line with dsm-firmenich and functional and guidelines and requirements, and develop, structure and manage the site organization to realize the objectives of the site organization.
Your key responsibilities
Contribute to the development of the BU/Category strategy and plan in cooperation with the ISOL members and implement the manufacturing strategy and plan for the own site.
Site manufacturing plan:
Define and implement site manufacturing multi-year plan, in line with the agreed operation strategyic and Category plan of the BU, in order to ensure production and delivery of products in line with agreed planning and specifications.Monitor the execution of the site manufacturing plan and take corrective actions when necessary, in order to achieve agreed objectives. Create a Continuous Improvement culture.Exernal Stakeholder managerment:Develop, maintain and manage contacts with governmental organizations in order to obtain and safeguard short term and long term license-to-operate and business continuity.Build and maintain external network with industry, media, press, neighborhood and government and represent site/BU/Group when applicable, in order to have access to external information and create and keep positive image of dsm-firmenich (stakeholder management).Site Management:Ensure formulation, approval and management of the annual cost budget for the site organization, in order to have the right finances available.Develop, implement and manage a cost effective and efficient site organization, standard working processes and systems, in order to enable optimal business performance.Ensure implementation of HR structures and systems, in line with dsm-firmenich and HR guidelines and systems, and manage, coach and motivate site employees, in order to guarantee a motivated, trained and committed workforce that meets current and future requirements in terms of quality, quantity and people development.Ensure implementation of finance and administration structures and systems, including insurances and tax, in line with relevant dsm-firmenich and functional guidelines, requirements and systems, in order to facilitate operations, in line with business, management and legal requirements.Ensure definition and implementation of lagging and leading performance indicators (supported by clear accountabilities/responsibilities and a meeting structure) and periodical reporting of actual performance against these indicators, in order to facilitate (timely) decision taking.Ensure implementation of QESH structures and systems, in line with BU and corporate QESH guidelines and systems, in order to meet legal and dsm-firmenich requirements, guarantee the quality of processes and products, ensure the license to operate and a safe and healthy working place. Identify and analyze potential operational and SHE risks, give recommendations and, after approval, implement countermeasure, in order to meet established objectives. Fulfill the responsibility of defined role in process safety life cycle managementAccountable for ‘crisis management’ in case of calamities in plants on the site. (ERP)Sustainability related
We offer
Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty - explore what drives you and get the support to make it happenA chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we doA science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game-changers, you’ll work on what’s nextGrowth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadershipA culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.
You bring
Academic degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Operations/Business engineering, with 10 years + experience in operations covering all aspects of Manufacturing, with chemical processes or food production.Knowledge of Process safety, occupied safety and occupied health; chemical engineering and unit operation; food GMP and food safety management; the principles of finance; and Capex project managementGood continuous improvement mindset with good RCA skills. Improvement programs (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, etc…)Change Management (e.g. Reorganization, ERP implementation) and government and crisis managementDevelopment of Business Operations Strategy Good communication skills - Fluent both Mandarin and English
About dsm-firmenich
At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.
Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.
And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.
Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.
DEI and equal opportunity statement
At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.
We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.
And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work."
Agency statement
We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.