From Process Engineer to Line Leader: Ceyda Akdağ's Journey at Mondelēz International Türkiye

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

From gaining hands-on experience in chocolate production to leading operations at a global manufacturing site, Ceyda Akdağ’s career journey is a story of steady growth shaped by learning, responsibility, and continuous improvement. Her path at Mondelēz International Türkiye highlights how dedication and opportunity come together to develop both technical expertise and leadership strength within a supportive, forward-looking environment.

How did you start your career at Mondelēz International Türkiye, Gebze Plant?

After graduating from Middle East Technical University with a degree in Food Engineering in 2019, I started my career in Gaziantep, where I worked for nine months at a chocolate factory. This experience allowed me to gain hands-on knowledge of production processes and understand the dynamics of a manufacturing environment.

Following this initial step, I joined Mondelēz International Türkiye at the Gebze Plant as a Process Engineer. I was excited to be part of a global company with strong brands and a culture that values continuous improvement, quality, and people development. This role was a pivotal milestone in my career, allowing me to deepen my technical and leadership abilities within a structured, fast-paced environment.

What initially attracted you to join Mondelēz International, and has your experience aligned with your expectations?

Honestly, what initially attracted me to Mondelēz was its strong global presence, well-known brands, and reputation for investing in people and continuous improvement. I was particularly interested in the company's structured approach to manufacturing excellence and its focus on quality, safety, and sustainability.

I had the opportunity to take on increasing responsibilities, enhance both my technical and leadership skills, and grow within a supportive, collaborative culture. The trust placed in employees, along with clear development pathways, has been instrumental in my progression from a process engineer role to a leadership position. Over time, my experience has not only met but exceeded my expectations.

What resources/ training programs at Mondelēz have been most beneficial in developing your skills?

Mondelēz offers a wide range of resources and training programs that have been essential to my professional growth. From structured onboarding and technical training focused on manufacturing processes to continuous improvement tools, I have built a strong technical foundation.

Leadership development programs have been invaluable in strengthening my people management and problem-solving skills. Having access to global best practices and learning from experienced colleagues across the organization has truly accelerated my development within an inclusive and supportive environment.

Could you describe a significant challenge you faced in your role and how you overcame it?

One of the most significant challenges I faced was transitioning from a technical position as a Process Engineer to a leadership role as a Line Leader. This shift required me to move beyond process management and focus on leading people, making decisions quickly, fostering alignment, and driving collaboration across teams.

I overcame this challenge by prioritizing open communication, actively listening to my team, and continuously developing my leadership skills through both training and on-the-job experience. With the guidance of my managers and the support of my colleagues, I learned to balance operational excellence with effective people management, strengthening team performance and my confidence as a leader.

How do you balance the demands of your role with your personal life, and what support does Mondelēz provide in this area?

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is important to me, and Mondelēz truly supports this balance. Open communication with my manager, a strong sense of teamwork, and a respectful workplace culture helps me manage responsibilities effectively. Knowing that employee well-being is a real priority keeps me motivated and focused, both professionally and personally.

What advice do you have for someone considering an opportunity with Mondelēz?

I would say that Mondelēz is a great place for anyone who wants to grow, learn, and make a real impact. It's a company that values continuous development, teamwork, and diversity, while offering opportunities to work with global best practices and well-known brands.

If you’re motivated, open to learning, and ready to take ownership, Mondelēz provides a supportive environment where your efforts are recognized, and your growth is encouraged. It’s not just a workplace; it’s a place to build a lasting care.