Production Cell Lead

About The Role

The Cell Lead is a key leadership position within the production organization, responsible for the overall performance, discipline and daily execution of one production line or a group of lines. The role ensures that safety, quality, service and productivity targets are consistently met, while driving continuous improvement and maintaining high operational standards. The Cell Lead collaborates closely with technicians, maintenance, process engineers, quality and SHE teams, and plays a central role in aligning the line’s work with business priorities. The incumbent leads, coaches, organizes and follows up on results, ensuring clarity, communication and accountability across all shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily production execution on the line, ensuring safety, quality, productivity and cost discipline.
• Act as a role model in safety, GMP and housekeeping, immediately addressing unsafe behaviours or conditions.
• Drive the Daily Management System (DMS) and secure Run-to-Target (RTT) routines with rigor.
• Communicate and collaborate with cross-functional partners to resolve issues and ensure line stability.
• Coach and develop technicians, identify capability gaps and seek support when needed.
• Ensure equipment standards are maintained and escalate technical issues appropriately.
• Drive problem-solving and support improvement initiatives on the line.
• Maintain consistent communication across shifts and guarantee 24/7 accountability for line performance.
• Support planned stops, changeovers, capability building and training activities.

About You

• High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with equipment operation and line assignment ownership.
• Knowledge of IWS/TPM, Autonomous Maintenance (AM Steps 0–4) and structured problem-solving.
• Strong communication skills, including assertiveness and active listening.
• Digital skills and ability to work with operational data.
• Leadership, team coaching and influencing skills.
• Accountability, adaptability and resilience in challenging situations.
• Ability to prioritize, make decisions and act in the best interest of the business.

At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.

Key skills/competency

• Production Leadership
• Manufacturing Operations
• Team Coaching
• Problem-Solving
• Continuous Improvement
• Safety Management
• Quality Assurance
• Operational Excellence
• Lean Manufacturing
• TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)