Overview
Our client, Darta Group is a reputed Belgian family company, founded in 1988, that has grown into a global player in the development, processing and commercialisation of fresh frozen products such as vegetables, fruits, herbs and made (side) dishes. Darta Group exports over 2,000 products to more than 70 countries and currently employs approximately 1,000 people in 5 production plants in Belgium (HQ), the UK, Portugal and Italy. The group has expanded its European presence with a sixth plant in Spain (Castillia-La Mancha). Darta Alentejo in Portugal was established in 1997 and employs approximately 270 people. The facility in Alentejo is a key player in Darta Group’s European manufacturing network and specialises in Mediterranean crops such as broccoli, peppers, tomatoes and strawberries. Portugal’s climate allows the group to grow beans, peas and courgettes at different times than in Belgium.
To further integrate, streamline and optimize Darta Group’s business operations on the Iberian Peninsula and provide crucial support to the Plant Managers in Portugal and Spain, a unique long‑term opportunity is available for an impactful: Senior Manager Finance, HR & Business Support - Iberia
Position
Senior Manager Finance, HR & Business Support - Iberia
Operating from Alentejo, Portugal with regular travel to the plant in Spain
Mission
Reporting to the Group's Board of Directors you will play a central role in Darta's Iberian organization and strategy. You will ensure strong administrative, financial, HR and compliance processes across Portugal and Spain, while closely working together with the Plant Managers to improve efficiency and steer optimization initiatives on both sites. Key Responsibilities include:
* Comprehensive financial leadership, encompassing budgeting, forecasting, cost optimization and financial reporting for the Iberian region
* Coordination of HR strategies with local teams, ensuring compliance with Portuguese and Spanish labor law and fostering a strong people culture
* Managing legal affairs, including contracts and regulatory adherence and overseeing risk management and subsidy applications
* Driving the implementation and optimization of efficient business processes and IT systems (ERP), supporting the digitization of administrative workflows
* Partnering with Plant Managers in both countries to analyze and improve processes and performance and implement cost saving initiatives
* Providing analytical support and expertise in evaluating supply chain and logistics processes, including inventory management and supplier contracts
* Developing and analyzing key performance indicators to drive productivity, efficiency and continuous improvement
* Acting as a bridge for intercultural collaboration between the Portuguese and Spanish teams, ensuring a unified business approach and supporting management in internal communication and a corporate culture aligned with the Darta vision and strategy
Profile
* Higher degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics or equivalent experience
* A solid experience in a senior leadership role with a comprehensive background spanning finance, administration and HR, ideally within an international manufacturing or production environment
* Strong track record in financial control and in legal compliance and labor law in a country setting
* Skilled in building and implementing reporting structures and business processes that enhance efficiency
* Excellent people management abilities; able to inspire, guide and develop teams while maintaining a pragmatic, hands‑on approach
* Analytical, strategic thinker with strong problem solving capacity and a driven mindset
* Proactive and communicative, capable of building trust and strong partnerships across cultures and departments
* Integrity, discretion and the ability to handle sensitive information responsibly
* Flexibility and resilience to deal with a changing international environment
* Experience with ERP systems (SAP is a plus) and comfortable working in a digitalized, data‑driven environment
* Fluency in Portuguese and English and ideally a good practical knowledge of Spanish
Offer
* A pivotal leadership role with the opportunity to impact the performance and integration of Darta Group's Iberian operations
* The chance to further expand your broad expertise within an international, reputed, and financially strong family company that is characterized by an open culture and short communication lines
* A role that offers substantial autonomy and the opportunity to shape strategy and processes within a growing European group
* A competitive remuneration package, including benefits, tailored to your experience and track record
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