Serdar TURKMEN
Food Engineer / MBA / Senior Plant Director / Procurement Director
Izmir
Summary
Results-driven senior executive with 27 years of experience in the dairy industry. Expertise in Plant Operations including Production, R&D, Quality Management, Maintenance, Procurement, and CAPEX project execution.
Proficient in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, Cost Reduction strategies, KPI systems, and SAP ERP with over 25 years of active use. Analytical in operational data analysis and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with KPI targets to drive productivity, financial performance, and customer satisfaction.
Skilled in budget management, P&L analysis, and strategic planning. Strong leadership and coaching abilities focused on team development, succession planning, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
Known for establishing and executing production priorities that optimize workforce efficiency and equipment utilization while upholding high standards in safety and quality.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Plant Director
Pınar Dairy Inc.
11.2024 - Current
- Overseeing entire plant operations incl. production, quality, warehouse, and investments.
- Managing 300+ SKUs, 9 product groups, and $500M+ annual turnover.
- Leading 6 managers and 800+ staff across production lines.
- Established metrics-driven performance management systems that encouraged accountability and fostered a high-performance work environment.
- Developed strategic plans to optimize resources, drive cost savings, and achieve operational excellence in the facility.
Procurement & Direct Sales Director
Pınar Dairy Inc.
05.2019 - 10.2024
- Led procurement of raw milk, raw materials, ingredients, packaging and technical materials (~$400M annually).
- Managed Procurement Process with 1,000+ suppliers and 10,000+ items.
- Direct sales of commodity dairy goods ($10M annually).
Plant Director
Pınar Dairy Inc.
06.2012 - 05.2019
- Managing the production facilities of 250+ SKU products in 9 main groups which has 300mUSD annual turnover.
((Milk/Whey Powder, All UHT products, Natural Cheese (UF Feta, White, String, Khaskaval, Cheddar, Gauda etc.), Processed Cheese, Fresh Cheese, Labneh, Yoghurt/Ayran/Kefir, Deserts, Butter, Sauces(Ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard etc.))
- Implemented Lean 6 Sigma and Cost Reduction Projects & GMP standards; managed CAPEX and OPEX budgets.
Production Manager / Team Leader
Pınar Dairy Inc.
01.1998 - 05.2012
- All Dairy Products and Sauces Production
Education
MBA -
Yasar University
01.2020 - 1 2021
Executive MBA Program -
Sabancı University
01.2008 - 1 2009
B.Sc. Food Engineering - undefined
Ege University
01.1991 - 1 1996
Key Skills And Tools
- Head of Cost Saving Teams of Company
- P&L Analysis based Cost Management and Saving
- Budgeting
- CAPEX Projects Management
- Lean Six Sigma
- KPI & OMI Systems
- SAP R/3 & SAP S/4HANA
- FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management
- HACCP Food Safety Management
Timeline
Plant Director
Pınar Dairy Inc.
11.2024 - Current
MBA -
Yasar University
01.2020 - 1 2021
Procurement & Direct Sales Director
Pınar Dairy Inc.
05.2019 - 10.2024
Plant Director
Pınar Dairy Inc.
06.2012 - 05.2019
Executive MBA Program -
Sabancı University
01.2008 - 1 2009
Production Manager / Team Leader
Pınar Dairy Inc.
01.1998 - 05.2012
B.Sc. Food Engineering - undefined
Ege University
01.1991 - 1 1996