Company Description

As a global key player in yeasts and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for Baking, Food taste & pleasure, Health care and Biotechnology.

Family group born in northern France in 1853, now a multi-national and a multicultural company, Lesaffre is committed to working with confidence to better nourish and protect the planet.

In close collaboration with its clients and partners, Lesaffre employs 11 000 people in more than 50 countries.

Lesaffre achieves a turnover of 3 billion euros.

Job Description

Why China?
Because it’s a unique adventure 🌏! China is a fascinating blend of innovation, tradition, and incredible energy.
Our sites in Laibin and Chongzuo, located in the lush Guangxi region, offer a green, authentic living environment, close to dynamic cities like Nanning.

You’ll work in a multicultural team where collaboration, learning, and innovation go hand in hand.
 

🎯 Your Mission

As a Maintenance & Performance Engineer, your mission will blend technical expertise, process improvement, and team development:

🔧 Maintenance Process Expertise & Standardization

• Act as the method and process expert for all maintenance activities across Lesaffre China plants.
• Ensure consistent maintenance operating standards and performance KPIs between sites.
• Lead Root Cause Analyses (RCA) on major breakdowns or process failures and define corrective actions.
• Guarantee accurate equipment data, preventive and predictive maintenance plans in the CMMS.
• Support maintenance planners and technicians on CMMS use and process compliance.
   

📊 KPI Monitoring & Performance Optimization

• Define, track, and analyze maintenance performance indicators (downtime, PM compliance, MTBF, etc.).
• Identify performance gaps, share insights with the maintenance coordinator, and lead improvement initiatives.
• Develop data-driven decision tools (Excel / Power BI dashboards) to visualize maintenance performance.
• Drive digital optimization projects, such as automated data collection or predictive maintenance setups.
   

🎓 Training & Skill Development

• Assess technical skill levels among maintenance staff (planning, troubleshooting, CMMS use, PdM techniques).
• Create and deliver technical training modules tailored to identified skill gaps.
• Monitor progress and continuously improve the training program based on feedback and results.
• Act as a coach and facilitator, promoting a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
   

🧩 Process Optimization & Best Practices

• Conduct regular audits of maintenance processes and suggest actionable improvements.
• Contribute to the standardization of procedures and ensure integration into the CMMS.
• Participate in supplier evaluations, workshops, and performance reviews to align maintenance strategies and negotiate improvement plans.
   

🧠 EHS & Continuous Improvement

• Promote and apply Lesaffre’s Health, Safety, and Environment (EHS) principles in all maintenance activities.
• Encourage proactive safety behavior and share good practices among teams.
• Foster a mindset of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across plants.
   

You’ll be working in a multi-site, multicultural environment, with frequent travel between Chinese plants — a great opportunity to develop your technical, communication, and project management skills at an international level. 🌍

🧠 Your Profile

• 🎓 Engineering degree (Industrial, Mechanical, Process, or related field).
• 🔍 First hands-on experience (internship, apprenticeship, or job) in maintenance, process, or continuous improvement within an industrial environment.
• 💡 Strong digital mindset – confident with tools like Excel, Power BI, or SAP PM (or other CMMS).
• 🌍 Fluent in English; French and Chinese are a plus!
• 🤝 Team player with curiosity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving mindset.
• ✈️ Willingness to travel regularly to different Lesaffre plants across China.

Additional Information

📅 Mission details
📍 Location: Beijing then Laibin (Guangxi, China), with frequent travel to other Lesaffre sites across China
⏳ Duration: 24 months
🚀 Start: Q1 2026

🧪 Recruitment process
1️⃣ CV Screening 2️⃣ Three interviews (local + HQ) 3️⃣ 🎉 Job offer
🎯 Goal: To offer you a long-term career after your V.I.E — in China, France or worldwide 🌎.

🎟️ V.I.E – Eligibility
✅ Age: 18–28 years old
✅ Citizenship: EU or EEA country
✅ Never completed a V.I.E before
ℹ️ More info 👉 mon-vie-via.businessfrance.fr

💡 Perks: 1 return flight home per year ✈️ + allowance 💸 + full support from Lesaffre teams.

🌟 Ready for your next adventure?
If you’re ambitious, curious, and eager to grow in an international environment, this V.I.E is for you. Come shape the future of nutrition & fermentation with us in China 🌍.

[Diversity & Inclusion]: At Lesaffre, diversity is a strength that enriches our culture and our teams. We are committed to offering you a work environment where you can thrive, regardless of your background, gender, age or abilities. We encourage all applications, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to innovate and meet the challenges of tomorrow.