Head of Production

Location:
Rotterdam, ZH, NL

Country/Region: NL

Job Area: Production

Business Unit: RP, Refining

Are you our next creator of change?

Do you want to be part of creating solutions for mitigating climate change? At Neste, you will be working for the world's leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel. Together we will accelerate transformation for a more sustainable future.

We are looking for you,

Head of Production

to our Neste Refinery Maasvlakte in Rotterdam.

We are seeking a Head of Production to drive and optimize all operational aspects of one of our key refinery areas. In this critical role, you will be singularly accountable for ensuring the area's performance, guaranteeing operations are compliant, safe, stable, and reliable, both today and well into the future.

This position demands a strategic thinker who can translate overarching strategic and tactical targets into concrete actions and programs to achieve outstanding results. You will be directly responsible for meeting ambitious productivity and cost targets.

Beyond the plant floor, you will own the organizational staffing, competence, and development within your area, building a high-performing team capable of sustaining world-class operations.

Reasons to join

Real impact right now. We create solutions for mitigating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy. We live by our values every day; we care, we have courage, we cooperate.

Safety and caring. We value safety always and everywhere. We want our work to feel good and do good. At Neste, we nurture a culture where everyone is welcome and feels safe, respected and encouraged to be their unique true selves.

Exciting growth. Transformation brings new possibilities, fostering both courage and curiosity. As a global company, collaboration is the key, and we believe in flexible, smart ways of working. We support personal development with versatile learning and career opportunities.

More about the job

Your role in our team / in creating a sustainable future

• Leading a 24/7 production process that is capable of delivering up to 1.4 Mtons of renewable fuels. Leads a team of 3 senior leaders and indirectly the full team is ~105 FTE of which ~75 in a 5 shift system;
• Directs / controls the plant's operation in order to its targets on safety, production volume, cost, efficiency, financial performance. Decides independently within budget and business plan. Will be responsible for setting up yearly business plans and stretched targets;
• Full responsibility of all staffing and people matters in the area: hiring, training, appraisals and development, employee health and wellbeing;
• Build and drive a performance culture based on ownership, teamwork, accountability and trust. Ensures basic principles of continuous improvement and 6 sigma are in place;
• Liaises with peers on and off-site in order to get right support on HSSEQ, Technical support and capital projects, maintenance engineering, etc; Has a strong collaboration with corporate functions
• May represent the site at various in- or external events, such as customer visits or industry networks.

The best combination to succeed in this role

• Master degree in applied science or equivalent;
• Hands-on experience in the Chemical or Oil and Gas industry;
• Minimum 15+ years experience in (petro-) chemical industry from which a minimum of 10 years in a managerial role;
• Experience in HSSE is a plus as well as playing a key role in larger organisational changes;
• Excellent leadership, communication and change management skills;
• Fluency in English and Dutch.

Let's get you started

We look forward to receiving your CV and application (with a salary request) by the 14th of November.

If you have any questions regarding the process or the position, please get in touch with Guidor 't Lam, Talent Acquisition Partner via

We will contact you within one week of the application closing date. The recruitment process will include two interview rounds and a possible aptitude assessment.

Neste in brief

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates solutions for mitigating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy. The company isthe world's leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, enabling its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Neste refines waste, residues and other renewable raw materials to high-quality renewable fuels at its refineries located on three continents. The company's annual renewable fuels production capacity will be increased to 6.8 million tons in 2027.

Neste has high standards for sustainability and the company has consistently been recognized by several leading sustainability indices. In 2024, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 20.6 billion.