Manufacturing Supervisor

We are searching for the best talent to join us as a Manufacturing Supervisor in Leiden, Netherlands (Zernikedreef 2, Leiden).

Purpose:
In this role, you will lead and support production activities helping ensure that high-quality products are manufactured in a safe, compliant, and efficient work environment. You will lead two teams of six people each and will be responsible for achieving production output in line with the master production schedule or shipment schedule, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, cGMP, lean principles, and continuous improvement. You will work closely with other supervisors and cross-functional partners, lead and coach a team of colleagues, and promote a culture where standards, learning, and continuous improvement are embedded in daily operations.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading and coaching a manufacturing team, coordinating daily production activities, assigning resources, and ensuring staffing supports production requirements.
• Delivering production output in line with manufacturing schedules and identifying resource or asset needs to meet business objectives.
• Supporting the introduction, qualification, and implementation of new products, equipment, and process changes within manufacturing.
• Maintaining manufacturing documentation, SOPs, work instructions, and periodic reviews to ensure compliance, accuracy, and readiness.
• Training and supporting operators in equipment use, manufacturing processes, and applicable GxP requirements.
• Monitoring manufacturing performance through operational metrics, yields, nonconformances, training compliance, and other key indicators, and reporting results to management.
• Leading investigations related to deviations, supporting CAPA activities, and ensuring timely escalation and resolution of manufacturing issues.
• Acting as a subject matter expert for assigned processes while supporting safe, compliant, and reliable manufacturing execution.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process and equipment improvement opportunities and recommending sustainable solutions.
• Collaborating closely with Engineering, Quality, and other stakeholders to support operational excellence, compliance, and business goals. External interaction may include contact with external auditors.

Shift pattern: 16/7 shift pattern.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• HBO degree or equivalent degree is required.
• At least around 5 years manufacturing experience, including at least 1–2 years of direct people leadership experience. Previous experience managing employee performance, attendance, absence cases and handling such conversations while in a leadership role is required.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage teams, develop employees and build productive cross-functional relationships.
• GMP or GxP environment knowledge required. Experience within the medical device industry or another GxP regulated manufacturing environment will be preferred.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to investigate root causes, interpret data, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Experience with continuous improvement, Six Sigma, process excellence methodologies, and change management principles are desirable.
• You need to be a collaboration-oriented team player with very good verbal and written communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills as well as very good skills in English; communication skills in Dutch are desirable but not a must have.
• Proficiency with Excel, Windows, ERP systems, and other relevant tools.
• Ability to prioritize effectively, make sound decisions independently, and perform successfully in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to safety, EHS&S standards, personal development, compliance training, quality excellence, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Skills:

Agile Manufacturing, Assembly Operations, Coaching, Controls Compliance, Data Savvy, Developing Others, Efficiency Analysis, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Inclusive Leadership, Leadership, Manufacturing Processes, Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT), Plant Operations, Predictive Analytics, Predictive Maintenance, Process Oriented, Technologically Savvy, Troubleshooting