About the role:
The Manufacturing Capability Lead develops and implements the global strategy for delivering functional and technical learning in manufacturing across the organization. Working with key stakeholders, they set priorities for capability deployment across all clusters and locations.
Based within the Process & Operational Excellence (P&OE) function, this role is essential for implementing the Barry Callebaut Operating System (BCOS), a standardized system covering end-to-end manufacturing processes from safety to quality and engineering. As the global lead for the Education & Training Pillar, they support BCOS capability rollout across sites and management teams.
To deliver a top-tier capability offering, this role also manages GBS resources and external providers through learning management systems (LMS) and direct delivery methods.
Key responsibilities:
Shape and implement a People Capability Vision for capability building, supporting global and cluster-level priorities. Develop and lead Training & Coaching programs to upskill leadership and embed cultural standards. Guide and support Learning Offerings, enabling facilitators and aligning with senior leaders for team development. Measure and review progress on capability and culture KPIs, leading improvement efforts at a global scale. Engage cross-functionally with Manufacturing and CSD to align on development strategy, while providing expertise on change management. Lead communication strategies to enhance awareness and share success stories, leveraging channels like virtual communities and newsletters. Support personal development plans for the manufacturing leadership and manage learning resources with system owners.
About you:
Master’s Degree in a technical field such as Food, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.
Lean or Six Sigma certification (e.g., Green Belt or Black Belt) is required to support continuous improvement processes. An additional degree in Business Administration is advantageous, demonstrating strategic and managerial insight.
Advanced PowerPoint and visualization skills to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to various stakeholders.
Affinity with Industry 4.0 innovations, such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), POKA, Smart Technologies, Data Mining, and familiarity with digital tools like Google Workspace.
Experience with Learning Management Systems and training platforms to support effective knowledge management and skills development.
Language proficiency in English (advanced level); knowledge of French or other languages is a plus to facilitate global communication and collaboration.
10+ years’ experience in driving Operational Excellence (OE) and Continuous Improvement (CI) within the manufacturing sector, ideally in processing environments, with a strong understanding of high-standard quality and efficiency practices.
Experience in matrix organizations, leading capability-building initiatives across multiple sites (10+ locations), and working effectively with geographically dispersed teams and remote stakeholders.
Deep expertise in Lean and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) philosophies, with a strong grasp of leadership behaviors that foster continuous improvement. Preferred experience in a mature OE culture (e.g., Toyota Production System, World Class Manufacturing, or IWS) or direct involvement in establishing one.
Gemba-focused leadership style, with hands-on experience on the shop floor to maintain alignment with frontline teams. Strong connection with shop floor culture and operational realities, focusing on practical, grounded solutions rather than theoretical approaches.
Visionary and Execution-Oriented: Capable of developing an inspiring long-term vision for capability building and implementing it effectively.
Strategic & Detail-Oriented: Skilled at navigating between high-level strategic perspectives (20,000-foot view) and granular shop floor details to align initiatives across global and local contexts.
Action-Driven: Proficient in transforming strategies into concrete actions, driving measurable impact in the organization’s culture and capabilities.
We offer:
Employment on a regular basis in the sweetest company in the world. Annual bonus based on your work results. Lunch card to be used for groceries and restaurants. Private medical care in Lux Med (basic package fully financed by BC). Fit Profit sports card co-financed by BC. PPE: we care about your future, and we save money for your retirement. Cafeteria Program as a part of Social Fund. Group life insurance. Hybrid working model: min. 8 days in the office a month. As part of our work-life balance culture, we can start work between 7 am and 10 am. Free consultation with a lawyer once a quarter. Chocolate! Yes, surprising but we have chocolate in the office, for Christmas, BC’s Birthday, and many other occasions during the year. And if chocolate is still not enough, you can join one of our theme clubs, where together with other employees we develop our passions and interests. Daily delivery of fresh fruits and veggies to the office. You can purchase our sweet products with a special discount. Relax zone in the office and plenty of options to choose from: PlayStation 5, football table, pool table, Ping-Pong, library, table games, and massage chairs. Sport @work? Sure! We have treadmills and indoor exercise bikes with a laptop station. We like to party as much as we like chocolate! We have integration budgets we can use for team events. Forever Chocolate and Event Team: you can join them and have a real influence on social life in BC and CSR activities.