Affinity Petcare
Cell Leader
Mantua, Lombardy, Italy (city only)
On-site
First seen by offpeak October 22, 2026
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Your role We are looking for a Cell Leader for the Production team in our factory in Mantova, who will report to Production Manager. In this role, you will be fully accountable for the Safety, Quality, People, Delivery, Cost, and Innovation (SQPDCI) results of a production cell, which includes multiple lines. The primary purpose of this role is to eliminate losses across the entire cell, remove barriers for the Line Leaders in the team, and ensure that each line achieves its business results in a Manufacturing Excellence environment. What you will do
- Target Deployment and Strategy Execution: Lead the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) approach for the cell to deploy objectives and track key business indicators. Working with the Reliability and Process Leaders to develop a loss map for the production lines and define a master plan of initiatives to achieve operational targets. This team is also responsible for identifying capability needs and driving development plans for the cell team.
- Performance Management: Oversee daily operational performance meetings, aligning with the Process Leader, Reliability Leader, and other support functions. The Cell Leader defines and reviews the daily action plan, focusing on priorities and ensuring resource availability and alignment. They also act as a role model to coach and promote a "Run-To-Target" culture.
- People Management: The Cell Leader is accountable for all production personnel in the cell, including direct and temporary staff. They must foster a High-Performance Organization culture, promote accountability, and develop a backup system to handle staffing variability0. A key responsibility is to oversee the complete performance cycle for the team, including dialogues and salary reviews.
- Safety and Quality: The Cell Leader owns and drives the cell-level safety performance, ensuring the elimination of risks and potential hazards. They are also responsible for ensuring that consumer complaints and product rejections are minimized through robust quality systems.
- Cost and Innovation: Support loss mapping and drive cost reduction initiatives, such as improving labor, equipment, and material productivity. Also involves participating in innovation initiatives, like new product launches or new equipment installations, ensuring the team's early involvement and operational readiness.
- Education: An Upper Secondary (High School Diploma) or Technical Degree is required, while a University Degree in Engineering or a related field is preferred. Certifications or formal training in Lean, World Class Manufacturing, or similar methodologies are also preferable.
- Experience: The candidate must have experience in shopfloor operations with proven capability in leading small teams (e.g., 5-10 operators). Hands-on experience in safety and quality compliance, problem-solving, and resolving technical issues within a manufacturing environment is also essential.
- Competencies: The ability to lead multiple teams, manage conflict, and communicate clearly at all levels is crucial. The ideal candidate should be skilled in coaching and developing Line Leaders and high-potential talent. They must be capable of planning and executing cell-wide initiatives, aligning resources with business objectives.
- Functional Expertise: Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes and dynamics is required. This includes familiarity with operational equipment, basic maintenance processes, production scheduling systems, and Lean tools. An understanding of cost drivers and an analytical approach to highlight main gaps is also necessary.
- Discount on Amazon products
- Affinity University platform: Professional development opportunities for employees at different stages of their career, recognising different career paths.
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