From Quality Specialist to Plant Director: A Journey Through Manufacturing Excellence

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Behind every successful manufacturing plant is a leader who knows that great results come from great people. Agnieszka Różycka, Plant Director at Mondelēz International’s Bratislava facility, embodies this through her 17-year global journey in manufacturing. In this candid conversation, she shares key insights, challenges, and lessons in leadership from the factory floor and beyond.

Tell us about yourself and your current role at Mondelēz International.

My name is Agnieszka Różycka, and I joined Mondelēz International in August 2025 as the Plant Director of the Bratislava Plant in Slovakia. In this role, I am responsible for overall plant performance, operational excellence, and, most importantly, building strong, engaged teams that can deliver sustainable results.

How would you describe your career journey so far?

My journey has been quite dynamic! My academic background includes Master’s degree in Quality and Food Production Management, as well as a Postgraduate studies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. I began my professional journey in Quality Assurance at a beverage production company (2008 to 2017), where I progressed through multiple roles, including Quality Assurance Specialist, Shift Supervisor, Production Area Supervisor, Production Manager, and Country Quality Manager. The entire experience shaped my understanding of quality production and leadership on the shop floor.

Next, I joined another FMCG company (2017–2022), serving first as Business Unit Manager, then as Factory Logistics Manager. These roles deepened my expertise in complex operations and cross-functional leadership.

Before joining Mondelēz, I held senior leadership roles at a pet food company, starting as Manager of Manufacturing Operations and later becoming Plant Manager. There, I was accountable for end-to-end plant results, leading large teams, driving continuous improvement, and managing greenfield investment projects.

What have been some of the key challenges along the way?

One of the biggest challenges has been transitioning across industries and global organizations, from beverages to tobacco, pet food, and now snacks. Each move required adapting quickly to new products, regulatory environments, operational systems, and corporate cultures.

These transitions taught me that technical expertise alone is never enough. The ability to learn fast, stay open-minded, and lead people through change is what truly defines effective leadership in manufacturing.

How would you describe the culture at Mondelēz International?

Mondelēz's culture deeply embraces company values, openness, and inclusion, and I don't say this for the sake of it. This is a culture that doesn't just state these principles but actively integrates them into daily operations, decision-making, and the employee experience.

Coming from other strong corporate cultures, I can genuinely say that Mondelēz walks the talk. It creates an environment where every individual feels respected, heard, and empowered to contribute their best. It's a place where integrity drives actions, transparency builds trust, and diversity fuels innovation. This foundation ultimately creates a more resilient, ethical, and thriving organization.

How does it feel to be part of the team at the Bratislava plant in Slovakia?

It's an incredibly rewarding experience. I can genuinely say that I love being here. The Bratislava Plant is home to a highly dedicated, collaborative, and skilled team, and I feel both grateful and privileged to lead such an outstanding group of people.

The trust placed in me to guide this location is something I value deeply. Looking ahead, I am excited about the challenges and opportunities in front of us because I am confident in our collective ability to adapt, innovate, and continue delivering strong results together.

How would you describe the world of manufacturing, engineering, and production?

Manufacturing, engineering, and production are at the heart of modern society. It's fundamentally about creating tangible goods and services & transforming raw materials and ideas into finished products that meet human needs.

This sector is critical for economic growth, job creation, and improving living standards globally. It brings innovation to life, provides essential goods from food and medicine to electronics and vehicles, and shapes our physical environment.

In essence, it's a field of practical innovation, continuous improvement, and tangible output. We're constantly evolving to meet the complex demands of a modern world. That's what makes it so exciting.

What advice would you give to those building a career in manufacturing?

Manufacturing is evolving faster than ever with Industry 4.0, AI, and sustainable practices reshaping how we work. To thrive, you should never stop learning. Stay curious, keep sharpening your analytical and critical thinking skills, and embrace change as an opportunity for growth.

Also, remember that manufacturing is a team sport. Success comes from collaboration, influencing others, and contributing positively to shared goals. Strong leadership is built on trust, communication, and the ability to bring people together.

Explore how we’re shaping the future of manufacturing and join us in making it happen.