Overview The Performance Manager is responsible for identifying, leading, and implementing strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity across the Zaandam plant. This role utilizes continuous improvement methodologies as Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to analyze existing processes, establish and monitor performance metrics, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement throughout all departments. This role holds ownership of the site's productivity agenda and is instrumental in driving its strategic and operational execution. The role is part of Zaandam leadership team. In 2026, the Zaandam site will undergo a transition of its lean system from QCDM to SPARK. The Performance Lead will assume full responsibility for managing the implementation process from initiation to completion. With the start of SPARK, four specialists will also report to the role (2 direct, 2 indirect). Responsibilities LEAN CULTURE Guide the organization in building Lean maturity by applying strong coaching and facilitation skills at all levels, (frontline to leadership). Train, coach, and mentor employees at all levels in continuous improvement methodologies and problem-solving techniques. Create and sustain a strong team of certified and active kaizen & green belts. Train, coach and support all teams to utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to improve plant performance, reduce operational inefficiencies, and eliminate waste. Accountable for site wide Performance Behaviour in QCDM/SPARK Build leadership capability by developing and sustaining a strong team of Basic Coaches for shift and daily meetings (in QCDM 4h and 24h meetings) Identify and deliver coaching focus points using the data from current coaching moments and provide feedback loop to line mangers. Provide coaching and leadership in all aspects of Lean deployment across the site. Facilitating the site leadership team to review and refresh the site strategy on an annual, quarterly basis. Facilitate and coach the development of Leadership standard work for daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. Responsible for developing and overseeing the Lean strategy and masterplan to support the site’s long-term goals and drive continuous improvement in Lean maturity. “Live & breath” SPARK mindset & celebrate success LEAN & OPERATIONS Responsible for OEE and TE performance Responsible for waste performance Lead and manage the productivity agenda across the site, ensuring alignment with the overall business strategy. Identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement through data analysis, process mapping, and root cause analysis. Lead the site in the transformation from QCDM to SPARK. Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure continuity of safe delivery without waste, to measure progress and identify areas for further improvement. For all teams (shift, daily, weekly, period). Responsible for productivity ideation (capex and non capex) Responsible for 5yr masterplan and capex plan related to performance and productivity to maximize productivity and minimize CPU for the Zaandam plant. Identifying next key improvement opportunities through coaching. Adherence to and use of the lean system by the line teams to continuously improve line performance measured by standard metrics, health checks, and improving output results. 1h, 4h, 24h, weekly and period within QCDM. And integrated work system (IWS) daily management systems (DMSs) and standard work processes (SWPs) within SPARK. Lead the digitalisatie journey that supports QCDM/SPARK (gSFT, app, tablets, …) Responsible for advancing the technical capabilities of line teams to support the development of autonomous, high-performing teams. TEAM MANAGER (Note: You start without a team; at the start of SPARK, you will begin to lead the specialist team) Leading, coaching and developing your team, consisting of processing and packaging specialists (2 direct reports, 2 indirect reports). Building development plans with the team (PDR). Having development conversations with the team (EOY, Mid Year, ACE). Creating an engaged team and improve each year on engagement (OHS). Empowering Duty-holders for GEHSMS standards within the department. MANAGEMENT TEAM Support increasing the (food)safety culture and prioritize (food)safety. Serve as a proactive representative of the performance department in the Site Leadership Team (SLT). Escalation on performance related issues and holds 24/7. Owning the improvement budget incl. productivity related CAPEX. Advise on LEAN & Performance related aspects in capital projects for Zaandam. Support the sites Capital agenda for Zaandam site related investments. Support the site Strategy agenda for Zaandam. Leading on all GEHSMS standards related to lean & performance BBS STOP rounds, to show the right leadership and build the right culture on safety. Leadership standard work rounds, to show the right leadership and build the right culture on behavior and standards. Qualifications Greenbelt or Blackbelt certified Good communicator in Dutch & English Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, teamplayer Communication at different levels and to different stakeholders Good analytical skills Strong coaching skills Performance driven Strategic thinking/ Vision Knowledge and experience in Lean tools & methodology (5S, Gemba, VSM, Task analysis….) Understanding of Lean principles and application within Operational environment (min 3 year working experience in operational environment) Ability to influence and change working culture Very capable, credible and authentic people leader; standard setting, holding people accountable, influencing, motivating and coaching skills High ability to communicate at all levels in the organisation (shop floor to senior executives) Understanding of Manufacturing Operations Flexible approach, a keen eye for detail and the ability to make sound, balanced business decisions Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make short and long term recommendations on the basis of available data Influencing skills across peers and seniors HBO/WO level thinking and working