Production Manager

Production ManagerLocation: Karjalohja, Finland. Reports to: Chief Operating Officer. Type: Full-time, Permanent.Start date: As soon as possible.Languages: Excellent Finnish and English verbal and written communication skills; other languages are a plus.About UsKÄÄPÄ Biotech is Europe’s leading and largest functional mushroom provider. We offer our customers the best quality ingredients, full transparency throughout the entire chain, and proudly sell products that work: proven by peer reviewed clinical studies.At KÄÄPÄ Biotech, our culture is driven by innovation, collaboration, and a focus on delivering value. We foster a team environment where ideas are shared, initiative is encouraged, and everyone plays a key role in our commercial success. In our fast-paced, purpose-driven setting, we value clarity, responsiveness, and a strategic mindset. We’re rapidly growing, serving some of the most innovative brands and manufacturers in the health, wellness, and nutrition industries. With demand for functional ingredients accelerating worldwide, we’re expanding our marketing function to help drive brand visibility, lead generation, and market leadership.The RoleWe are looking for an experienced Production Manager, with a collaborative leadership style who is driven by safety, quality, optimization and continuous improvement. The Production Manager will manage, scale-up, optimize and standardize all production operations and activities. This role is about improving volumes, quality, efficiency, standardization, costs and timing and it is about fostering a culture of excellence and safety. You will report directly to the COO and work closely with other functions.We are looking for a flexible and people-focused collaborative leader, with Production Management experience in regulated industries (biotech, food ingredients, nutraceuticals, supplements, pharma ...)The environment is complex, dynamic and demanding, which is why we need a proactive, results-driven and hands-on leader. A creative problem solver, who can think outside-the-box and who is not afraid of tackling complex problems. Someone with a “can do” attitude and who thrives in a constantly evolving setting.You will lead a production team of 10, with 4 direct reportsKey ResponsibilitiesProduction Strategy and InfrastructureDevelop, optimize and standardize production infrastructure and processes to meet growing demand.Manage the scale-up of operations and processes in close collaboration with R&D, Quality and technical teams, from lab to pilot to industrial scale.Operational Management and ExcellenceResponsible for everything related to the end products, from raw materials arriving to the end product leaving.Lead and develop all production operations (upstream processing, downstream processing).Implement operational excellence by instilling a culture of continuous improvement, quality, and safety.Ensure production KPIs are met. Ensure improvements of efficiency, yield, and quality.Manage & approve SOP's related to production.Production cost management, in collaboration with Finance (Production cost calculations).Aligning with the needs of the Sales team and being able to support customer orders.Management of ERP system (Odoo), in cooperation with Sales.Quality, Compliance and SafetyWorking with our compliance and quality team to ensure compliance with international food, supplement, and pharmaceutical-grade quality standards and regulations (FSSC22000 certification, food safety, organic certification, etc.).Working with our quality team to maintain food safety and HACCP systems; oversee cleanliness of facilities.Attend regular inspections and audits (in collaboration with Quality).Ensure working safety in production facilities.Develop analytics with Quality.Team Leadership and DevelopmentLead, coach and develop a high-performing production team, to ensure they are motivated and focused on reaching their objectives.Onboarding and training of new team members.Key Experience & SkillsEducationDegree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Biotech, Industrial Engineering or similarAn advanced degree (MSc/MBA) is a plusProfessional ExperienceAt least 5 years of progressive experience in production management and team management roles, preferably in process engineering, chemical engineering, biotech, nutraceuticals, or other regulated production industriesExperience in mushroom or mycelium production, downstream processing (DSP), or controlled environment agriculture (CEA), a plusExperience in scaling operations from pilot to industrial scaleExperience in standardizing productionTechnical and Operational SkillsExperience with ERPs (e.g. Odoo) / data-driven operations managementKnowledge of materials and stock managementKnowledge of operational excellence and continuous improvement methods (Lean, 5S)Knowledge of FSSC22000, a plusAnalytical and Organizational SkillsStrong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; able to cope with complexityStrong planning and organizational skills; precise; able to prioritize, delegate, and meet deadlinesLeadership and Interpersonal SkillsA collaborative, inclusive people manager who leads by example and can coach, inspire, and motivate high-performing teamsA team worker who is comfortable working as part of a multidisciplinary teamPersonal AttributesGrowth mindset; comfortable operating in fast-scaling, dynamic environmentsSelf-starting, autonomous (when needed), proactive, precise, and tenaciousLanguage SkillsExcellent Finnish & English verbal and written communication skills; other languages are a plusWhy Join UsThis is a unique and attractive, long-term career opportunity, with a visible impact on the performance of the company. It is a key position in a fast-growing biotech company focused on sustainable innovation.You will be part of a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team that shares a sense of purpose and a growth mindset. This requires collaborative leadership, flexibility, capacity to prioritize and execute projects effectively and an ability to cope with complexity. You will have high levels of autonomy and accountability and have opportunities for professional development.This role is perfect for you if…you are an experienced production leader who combines technical expertise with a collaborative management style, thrives in complex and fast-growing environments, and is driven by quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement. You take ownership, lead by example, and are motivated by developing people and scaling sustainable operations to excellence.How to applyPlease submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to careers@kaapabiotech.com. Kindly include “Production Manager” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you are applying directly through LinkedIn, please add your cover letter with your application.Looking forward to hearing from you!