Exciting Leadership Opportunities with Our Client ASNS Ingredient

This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the business support operations of an innovative project in the food production and smart nutrition industry. Our client, ASNS Ingredient a joint venture poised to become the most advanced and innovative global producer of pea protein isolate, is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Chief Financial Officer, Board Member (with specialization in financial management, budget planning, and risk management) to join its leadership team.

With a total investment exceeding €132 million, ASNS Ingredient's state-of-the-art production facility in Jelgava will be the first of its kind in Eastern Europe, set to commence operations in early 2027. As CFO, you will be instrumental in driving the company’s financial strategy, managing risks, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring excellence in corporate governance and stakeholder relations—all in support of the mission to deliver sustainable, plant-based protein solutions to the global market.

This is a remarkable chance to be part of an organization that is redefining the future of food production through innovation and sustainability.

Position Overview:
As a Board Member and CFO, you will play a central role in ASNS Ingredient throughout its development and operational phases. Reporting directly to the Group’s Shareholders and Supervisory Board, you will lead financial management, budget planning, and risk mitigation efforts, ensuring the company stays on course to achieve its ambitious objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Secure funding and foster strong relationships with financial institutions, investors, and lenders, ensuring compliance with debt obligations and financial regulations.
• Oversee finance, accounting, analytics, IT, administrative functions, and potentially HR, ensuring effective governance and operations.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive risk management model and optimize financial processes.
• Plan and manage cash flow, accounting processes, inventory, investments, and financial reporting.
• Prepare the annual report, collaborate with auditors, and develop sustainability and legally required reports.
• Analyze and propose improvements in financial control, cost optimization, and supplier management.
• Evaluate and oversee investment projects and ensure effective allocation of revenues and expenses by business units and products.
• Motivate and manage teams, conducting performance evaluations and recommending training to optimize resource usage.
• Adhere to the generally accepted group company culture, values, and overall operational principles and guidelines.

Position Requirements:

• Education:
• Higher education in finance, accounting, economics, or business management.
• Experience:
• At least 5 years of experience in finance function management and relationship management with financial institutions.
• Proven experience in securing funding for scalable and asset intensive projects, working with different stakeholders.
• Successful collaboration with international partners, including owners, financiers, and suppliers.
• Language skills:
• Fluency in both Latvian and English is required.
• Professional Skills:
• Strong financial competence in financial and management accounting, business planning, risk management, tax, treasury, and/or audit.
• In-depth understanding of economic development trends and principles.
• Deep understanding of financial risk assessment and mitigation, with a strong grasp of corporate governance frameworks.
• Additional Requirements:
• Experience in managing sustainability function.
• Understanding of financial legislation and regulatory acts.

Work Location:
Initially located in Riga, transitioning to the factory site in Jelgava upon its completion.

This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the operations of an innovative project in the food production and smart nutrition industry. Our client, ASNS Ingredient a joint venture poised to become the most advanced and innovative global producer of pea protein isolate, is seeking a proactive and results-oriented Director of Operational Management, Board Member (with specialization in production oversight, construction projects, energy efficiency and facility development) to join its leadership team.

With a total investment exceeding €132 million, ASNS Ingredient's state-of-the-art production facility in Jelgava will be the first of its kind in Eastern Europe, set to start operations in early 2027.

This is a remarkable chance to be part of an organization that is redefining the future of food production through innovation and sustainability.

Position Overview

As the Director of Operational Management/Chief Operating Officer, you will play an instrumental role in leading the successful development and operation of ASNS Ingredient. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's operations, from construction and commissioning of the production facility to its ongoing management and optimization. Reporting directly to the Group's Shareholders and Supervisory Board, you will ensure the company achieves its ambitious objectives of delivering sustainable, plant-based protein solutions to the global market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead construction and infrastructure development, overseeing design, permits, construction, equipment procurement, and technological process commissioning.
• Ensure project completion within timeline, budget, and investment framework by end of 2026, and ramp-up to full operational capacity by Q1 2027.
• Manage and motivate teams (Production, Technical, R&D, etc.), overseeing 60-80 employees and outsourced professionals.
• Optimize production and technical processes, ensuring efficient operations and product development.
• Supervise the pea processing complex, develop regulations, and manage raw material procurement and partnerships with farmers and suppliers for 2027 readiness.
• Oversee outsourced services (steam, electricity, wastewater) and promote green initiatives, including biogas production.
• Ensure compliance with state and municipal regulations across sectors like electricity, railways, and communications.
• Monitor and improve energy efficiency, implement improvement plans.
• Lead occupational health, safety, fire protection, and environmental measures.
• Propose organizational changes, oversee staff performance, and recommend training.
• Prepare and monitor departmental budgets, investments, and sustainability plans.
• Build and maintain relationships with business partners, local governments, and state authorities.
• Align production with market conditions while adhering to company values and operational principles.
• Adhere to the generally accepted group company culture, values, and overall operational principles and guidelines.
• Understand and adjust production according to market conditions.

   

Position Requirements:

• Education:
• Higher education in engineering fields.
• Experience:
• At least 5 years of experience in a managerial role.
• Proven experience in construction/industrial project management, including large-scale projects (building new, relocating, or optimizing multiple sites).
• Experience in managing production operations, preferably in the food processing or manufacturing industry.
• Experience in supervising manufacturing construction and equipment commissioning.
• Language skills:
• Fluency in both Latvian and English is required.
• Professional Skills:
• Excellent leadership abilities and team management experience.
• Strong knowledge of business planning and legal regulations.
• Ability to quickly identify problems and anticipate potential risks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Additional Requirements:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial analysis and data analysis.
• Understanding of EU and other financial instrument project administration processes.
• Preferred experience and understanding of food production and standards.
• Preferred high-level digital skills and their application in a highly automated and digital manufacturing environment.
• Employee responsibility areas:
• Responsible for workplace safety, environmental protection, and fire safety in accordance with regulatory requirements and job duties.
• Responsible for completing assigned tasks and achieving results, as well as the decisions made and the handling of entrusted work tools.

Work Location: Initially located in Riga, transitioning to the factory site in Jelgava upon its completion.