Operations Start-Up Leader – Greenfield Project

About the role

At Nestlé Purina we are dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners through high‑quality nutrition. We are seeking a technical professional to lead the installation, start‑up and operation of a modern, highly automated production line for a new manufacturing site in Mantova.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in developing User Requirement Specifications by identifying local operational constraints during the design phase.
• Coordinate product and process permits and licenses together with the project, quality and regulatory teams.
• Manage staffing and training, including the TT&T program, to ensure a qualified start‑up workforce.
• Oversee raw material, packaging and consumable availability and production planning throughout the start‑up period.
• Develop and control the master start‑up plan covering commissioning, qualification and verification to achieve sustained vertical performance.
• Lead the operational team during start‑up, guaranteeing timely completion of product, equipment, line and site certifications.
• Execute a proactive hand‑over to the operational team, delivering the final Manufacturing Dossier.

Required profile

• University degree in Engineering.
• 3‑5 years of experience in production leadership (production manager or line supervisor).
• 3‑5 years as a factory pillar leader (AM or PM).
• Fluency in English; Italian is a plus.
• Proven experience running manufacturing projects (product specialist, process engineer, application group).
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a safe workplace using 5S and safety practices.
• Strong coaching and training capabilities.
• Ability to foster harmonious working relationships and make optimal trade‑off decisions.

Required skills

• Start‑up and commissioning of automated production systems.
• Application of the 5S methodology for workplace organization.
• Manufacturing project management.

What we offer

• Work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Continuous learning through training, certifications and development programmes.
• Private health insurance and wellness initiatives.
• Flexible benefits platform and corporate welfare.
• Career growth via internal mobility and development opportunities.
• Inclusive, collaborative culture.