Mdi deployment lead

This is a rare opportunity to join McCain at a pivotal stage in the evolution of our proprietary Manufacturing Operating System, MDI (McCain Driving Impact). Developed in-house and being deployed across McCain manufacturing sites globally, MDI is transforming how we operate, continuously improve, and deliver sustainable business results.

As MDI Manager, you will play a key role in deploying, coaching, and sustaining MDI across our Dutch manufacturing operations, with responsibility for supporting our sites in either Lewedorp or Lelystad. You will work closely with plant leadership teams to strengthen daily management routines, develop continuous improvement capabilities, and drive measurable performance gains in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people engagement.

This is a highly influential role for an experienced Continuous Improvement leader who understands how to design, embed, and evolve operating systems while bringing teams and stakeholders on the journey.

What you’ll be doing.

• Lead the deployment, coaching, and sustainment of MDI (McCain Driving Impact) across manufacturing operations in the Netherlands.
• Partner with plant leadership teams to strengthen Daily Management Systems, governance processes, and performance management routines.
• Identify and execute opportunities to improve operational performance, reduce losses, and enhance manufacturing efficiency.
• Conduct loss analysis and lead focused improvement initiatives using methodologies such as TPM, Lean, DMAIC, A3, IWS, and equivalent Continuous Improvement approaches.
• Coach leaders, managers, and frontline teams to build lasting Continuous Improvement capability and ownership.
• Facilitate cross-functional improvement activities that drive alignment, accountability, and execution excellence.
• Support MDI assessments, standards, and sustainment activities to ensure continuous progress and measurable results.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of MDI by sharing site learnings, best practices, and operational insights.
• Lead strategic projects that support manufacturing, financial, operational, and cultural objectives.
• Stay informed on manufacturing excellence trends, including digital technologies, process digitization, and AI-enabled improvement opportunities., You will join the Manufacturing Excellence and MDI team within McCain’s Manufacturing function. Working closely with plant leadership teams, you will support the deployment and sustainable adoption of MDI across our Dutch manufacturing operations.

As part of the wider EMENA manufacturing community, you will have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the region, share best practices, contribute to strategic improvement initiatives, and help shape the future development of McCain’s Manufacturing Operating System.

This role can be based near either Lewedorp or Lelystad, with regular travel between manufacturing sites and occasional travel across Europe as required.

• Demonstrated experience designing, deploying, or significantly improving a Manufacturing Operating System or Continuous Improvement framework.
• Deep expertise in TPM, IWS, Lean Manufacturing, or similar integrated work system methodologies.
• Lean Black Belt certification or equivalent Continuous Improvement qualification preferred.
• Leadership experience within Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Manufacturing Operations.
• Minimum of five years’ experience leading improvement activities across areas such as:
• Autonomous Manufacturing
• Focused Improvement
• Daily Management Systems
• Early Management / Vertical Start-Up
• Skills Development
• Work Simplification
• Strong FMCG manufacturing experience is essential; experience within automotive or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments is also valued.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Science, or a related discipline.
• PMP certification would be considered an asset.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead through collaboration rather than direct authority.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, communication, and change management skills.
• Ability to create structure, clarity, and momentum in complex and evolving environments.
• Experience working across multiple sites, functions, and cultural environments.
• Fluent Dutch and English language skills are highly desirable; additional languages would be an advantage.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly between Dutch manufacturing sites and occasionally within the wider EMENA region.

At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

AI & Digital Capabilities.

At McCain, AI and digital capabilities are part of how we work and innovate. We value curiosity toward emerging technologies and the thoughtful, responsible use of AI-enabled tools to improve outcomes as part of our future-ready culture.

The McCain experience.

We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.

Our purpose is grounded in building meaningful relationships. We’re big believers in the power of working together in person. It helps us stay connected, collaborate more effectively, and grow as a team. At the same time, we recognize the importance of flexibility. Most office-based roles follow a hybrid model, with the option to work remotely two days a week. There may be exceptions depending on the role and location, so we encourage you to speak with your recruiter for more details.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.