Interim Manager (Manufacturing / Food / Beverage) - Suriname

Gate. Source HR is recruiting an Interim Manufacturing Operations Manager on behalf of a beverage manufacturer to lead production stabilization, maintenance improvement, and the commissioning of an additional bottling line. This assignment is planned to last 3 to 6 months and requires an experienced, hands-on manufacturing leader who can increase reliable output, strengthen operational discipline, and develop local teams.

Success will mean establishing a safe, stable, and efficient operation while maintaining strict food safety and product quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Lead daily production and maintenance activities across two bottling lines. Stabilize the existing line and improve reliable output against the production plan. Lead the operational commissioning and ramp-up of the additional line, including trials, performance testing, resolution of outstanding issues, and transition into routine production.

Set and monitor targets for output, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), downtime, yield, waste, line speed, changeovers, and production-plan attainment. Identify and resolve bottlenecks, recurring breakdowns, minor stops, and other production losses. Strengthen preventive maintenance, maintenance planning, root-cause analysis, and critical spare-parts management.

Improve coordination between production and maintenance through effective shift handovers, daily reviews, clear escalation procedures, and accountability. Maintain compliance with workplace safety, food safety, sanitation, quality, and applicable beverage-system standards. Coach supervisors, shift leaders, operators, and technicians to build sustainable operational capability.

Provide concise weekly progress reports to executive management and prepare a structured handover to the permanent manager. The role focuses on production, maintenance, commissioning, and team capability. It will coordinate with supply chain, procurement, warehousing, logistics, and other support functions where these affect production continuity.

Expected Deliverables An initial operational and maintenance diagnostic with clear priorities. A production stabilization plan and a commissioning and ramp-up roadmap. A prioritized maintenance recovery and critical spare-parts plan. A daily operating management system with clear KPIs, responsibilities, and escalation procedures.

Measurable improvements in output, equipment reliability, OEE, and production-plan attainment. Stronger, increasingly self-sufficient frontline teams. A controlled transition of the additional line into routine production. A comprehensive handover and a 90-day priority plan for the permanent manager.

Requirements

Substantial senior production, plant, or manufacturing management experience in beverage bottling, food processing, FMCG, or comparable high-speed manufacturing. Demonstrated success commissioning, starting up, stabilizing, or ramping up production or packaging lines. Strong practical knowledge of preventive maintenance, asset reliability, and technical problem-solving.

Experience leading high-volume, continuous, shift-based operations. Proven ability to use OEE, downtime analysis, Lean methods, and loss elimination to improve performance. Sound understanding of workplace safety, food safety, product integrity, and quality management systems. Experience working with international equipment manufacturers and technical specialists.

Experience within an international branded beverage bottling system is strongly preferred. A hands-on, decisive leadership style, with the ability to establish accountability and develop local capability. Availability to be based full-time in the country throughout the assignment.

Benefits

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