Plant Manager - PP/PE Extrusion

Plant Manager - PP/PE Extrusion

Our client, a leading Belgian player in advanced plastics recycling, operates a strategically important PP/PE regeneration plant that converts waste streams into high‑quality, certified raw material for the circular economy. From their site in Belgium, they run a highly automated operation built on state‑of‑the‑art extrusion technology and strict quality standards. As Plant Manager, you step into the key role with full end‑to‑end responsibility for the production cycle and a multidisciplinary team, in an environment where technical excellence and long‑term stability go hand in hand.

Benefits

• Top‑tier total package
• Contract flexibility & stability: Option to join as a freelancer or on a permanent contract, combined with the long‑term security of a future‑oriented recycling business.
• Real influence, real career step: High‑impact role with broad autonomy over plant performance, processes and investments - a next 15-20 year career move in a strategically important PP/PE recyclate plant.

Role Responsibilities

• Own the full production cycle: Take end responsibility for the entire PP/PE regeneration flow - from incoming raw materials through extrusion and quality control to certified finished product - ensuring safety, efficiency and compliance with CERTIPLAST and ISO 9001.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team: Manage and coach 25-30 colleagues in production, maintenance, laboratory and R&D, aligning daily operations and improvement projects with the company's mission in circular plastics.
• Drive optimisation and investment: Set up, fine‑tune and expand extrusion installations, initiate and lead process improvements and CAPEX projects, and collaborate closely with the Operational Manager to continuously raise plant performance and competitiveness.

Requirements

• Engineering & industry expertise: Degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or Chemical Engineering, combined with proven experience in plastics regeneration for PP or PE and hands‑on management of extrusion technology in an industrial environment - enabling you to quickly become the technical reference point for the plant.
• Operational & people leadership: Strong track record leading production operations and teams of 25-30 people across production, maintenance, lab and R&D, including hiring, onboarding and performance management - giving you the platform to shape both culture and results.
• Quality, systems & languages: Solid knowledge of quality management systems and maintaining certifications such as CERTIPLAST and ISO 9001, plus fluency in Flemish and good command of English - allowing you to secure standards on site and communicate effectively within the wider organisation and industry.