Plant Manager

At calibr:e, we're not your traditional recruiters. We don't just fill roleswe build careers and help businesses thrive by connecting the best talents with the right opportunities.

Our team is made up of seasoned industry professionals and highly experienced headhunters, blending deep functional expertise with technical know-how. We are committed to supporting businesses efficiently and effectively, while offering candidates meaningful career advancements. At calibr:e, we're shaping the future of recruitment by fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth.

The Opportunity

Our client is a newly established joint venture between a global agricultural commodities trader and a major Japanese food manufacturer, formed to develop sustainable plantbased protein ingredients for the Asian market. The company is building a manufacturing facility in Malaysia that will process pulses into highquality protein isolates and starches, with an annual capacity of over 5,500 metric tonnes. Designed with sustainability as a core principle, the facility aims to achieve a lower carbon footprint and reduced water consumption compared to conventional protein sources. Currently in the preoperational phase, the company is building its core team ahead of the facility's commissioning. They are now seeking a highly experienced Plant Manager to be based in Johor, Malaysia.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the transition from construction to commissioning, including equipment trials, process validation, and facility readiness for commercial production.
• Oversee endtoend manufacturing operations, including wet extraction, spray drying, and powder handling, ensuring production targets and quality standards are met.
• Manage inbound raw materials (pulses) and outbound finished goods, ensuring warehousing accuracy and OTIF delivery performance.
• Recruit, train, and lead the production team, building a culture of safety, quality, and accountability.
• Implement food safety and quality systems (FSSC 22000, BRCGS, HACCP, GMP) and work towards ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma methods to improve productivity, reduce waste, and maintain reliable plant operations.

*responsibilities are truncated and non-exhaustive.

Requirements:

• Degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Professional certification(s) in Lean Six Sigma, FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor, ISO 9001/14001 Lead Auditor, or HACCP (Level 3+) is/are highly desirable
• Min. 12+ years of experience in upstream food or ingredient manufacturing, with at least 5 years of recent experience in plant management or production leadership
• Experience with greenfield startup or commissioning is highly valued
• Handson experience with wet extraction, spray drying, powder processing, or similar ingredient manufacturing processes
• Strong knowledge of food safety management systems (FSSC 22000, BRCGS, HACCP, GMP) and familiarity with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards
• Proven ability to build and lead a production team, manage supply chain and warehousing, and meet OTIF delivery targets

If you are excited about this opportunity, apply NOW!

Due to high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We will keep candidates not shortlisted for future suitable opportunities.

calibr:e(23S1731) is proud to represent an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. Our client celebrates unique perspectives and dedicates to creating an inclusive environment where all employees are empowered to thrive. Join a company where differences are valued, and every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.