Arxada is a global specialty chemicals business that’s committed to solving the world’s toughest preservation challenges through better science. [With a proud history of innovation dating back more than a century], we aim to help our customers develop more sustainable solutions that protect and maintain the health and wellbeing of people and extend the life of vital infrastructure while working to reduce our and our customers’ ecological footprint.
Sustainable preservation is one of our top priorities. We are making significant strategic investments that will not only decrease our own environmental footprint, but also help customers adapt to long-term environmental and social change through the development of cleaner, greener solutions.
We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead a key production unit in our chemical manufacturing facility in Switzerland. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a proven record of leading large teams, driving operational excellence, and encouraging a strong safety and performance-oriented culture.
You will be responsible for day-to-day production operations, setting and achieving key performance indicators, implementing improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with HSE and quality standards.
Essential Job Functions:
- Lead, coach, and develop a production team of approximately 100 employees, including supervisors and shift leaders
- Foster a high-performance culture passionate about safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Set and track KPIs for production output, quality, OEE, safety, and cost efficiency
- Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Six Sigma practices to improve efficiency and reduce waste
- Ensure compliance with all environmental, health & safety (EHS) and other regulations
- Collaborate cross-functionally with maintenance, quality, planning, and engineering teams
- Act as a cultural ambassador for transformation and engagement across production teams
- Support and lead audits, root cause analyses, and change management processes
- Contribute to annual budgeting, workforce planning, and strategic site initiatives
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific/technical field
- Min. 8+ years demonstrated ability in a production or plant management role within the chemical, pharmaceutical, or process industry
- Proven experience managing large teams (>50 FTE) in a manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of production metrics, continuous improvement methodologies, and ideally education in LEAN / 6Sigma
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Fluent in English and German; additionally French or Italian desired
- Solid understanding of Swiss labor laws and safety standards preferred
Arxada has world class offerings in two distinct areas:
Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.
Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.
Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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