Head of Production

Profile:
Head of Production

Company:
LEK VETERINA (Group Pintaluba)

Lek Veterina, founded in 1980, is the leading producer in the Balcans area of powdered premixes, minerals, and water-soluble and liquid vitamin mixtures. Our mission is to contribute to the health and well-being of animals. We provide natural solutions in the form of plant extracts and essential oils that reduce the use of antibiotics, support intestinal health, and increase natural intestinal microflora. Our supplements and additives help overcome heat stress, improve feed conversion, and enhance the overall health of animals.

We sell in countries across Europe, Russia, Africa, the Middle East, the Far East, and Asia.

We are one of 15 companies that make up the PINTALUBA GROUP, which is made up of companies dedicated to animal and human health and nutrition. Each company is independent from the others but covers complementary areas of the sector and shares resources with each other.

Professional Experience of the Head of Production:

The candidate must have between 5 and 10 years of progressive professional experience in production management. This experience must have been gained within a strictly regulated environment with an understanding of HACCP, GMP or Fami-QS standards or other relevant quality standards. The most relevant sectors, in order of preference, are: production of feed supplements, production of animal feed, or the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. Alternatively, experience in the human pharmaceutical or food industry may also be considered.

Academic Background:

A higher university degree is required, preferably in Engineering (Zootechnical, Chemical, Process, or Industrial) or a related life sciences field. Postgraduate qualifications in production management will be highly valued.

Specific Technical Knowledge:

Practical experience must include proven expertise in:

• Batch production management, including planning and associated

documentation control.

• Production planning, resource management (materials, personnel, equipment),

and optimal allocation to meet objectives.

• Process validation and equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Implementation and oversight of In-Process Controls (IPC) to ensure quality

during manufacturing.

• Supply chain management, with a strong focus on quality control and raw

material traceability.

• Design and implementation of strategies for the prevention and management

of cross-contamination.

• Management of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and familiarity with

HACCP, GMP and Fami-QS documentation, including Standard Operating

Procedures (SOPs), batch records, and deviation management.

• Practical knowledge of industrial safety and sustainability.

Languages:

Slovenian and English.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership and Team Management:

The candidate must demonstrate outstanding ability to lead, motivate, and develop the production team. This includes fostering and maintaining a "zero-error" culture, responsibility, and strict procedural compliance. Proven experience is required in organising shift work, planning and delivering continuous training programmes in HACCP / GMP / Fami-QS procedures, and conducting fair and constructive performance evaluations. The goal is to build a highly competent and quality-driven team.

• Analytical Problem Solving:

Process deviations are not mere setbacks but events that require systematic investigation. The ideal candidate must have strong skills in production data analysis, root cause identification, and the implementation of effective and lasting solutions through a formal Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) system.

• Continuous Improvement Orientation:

While regulatory compliance is foundational, an exceptional production leader actively seeks optimisation. Knowledge and application of methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen will be highly valued. The key lies in the ability to apply efficiency principles (waste reduction, flow optimisation, productivity improvement) without ever compromising on quality, safety, or regulatory compliance.

• Budget Management and Cost Efficiency:

This role entails significant financial responsibility. The candidate must be capable of preparing and managing the production department's budget, optimising the use of resources (raw materials, energy, labour), and controlling operational costs. A critical skill is the ability to balance economic efficiency with the necessary investment to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety, which are non-negotiable.

• Effective Communication:

The production plant is a central hub within the organisation. The Head of Production must be an excellent communicator, capable of interacting clearly, precisely, and collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders: Quality, Research & Development, Logistics, Maintenance, and all hierarchical levels—from plant operators to senior management.

If you believe you fit the profile and are interested in the position, please send us your application.

Thank you