Thomas Kisling

Agile Production Leader | Lean & Hands-On | Connecting People | Process & AI Innovation

Cargill · LIMAK Austrian Business School

About

As Production Lead at Cargill, I shape a high-performance manufacturing environment where safety, quality, and efficiency go hand in hand. With a background in technical chemistry and leadership roles in chemical manufacturing, I bring hands-on experience in project execution, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. I thrive at the intersection of people, processes, and progress. I’ve led initiatives that delivered measurable results - including increased output, reduced emissions, and improved compliance systems - always with a structured and practical approach. I’m passionate about building strong teams, fostering a culture of ownership, and delivering sustainable impact. What drives me is combining strategic thinking with hands-on leadership to support people and ensure reliable performance in complex production settings.

Experience

  • Production Lead at Cargill
    May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

  • Nufarm (3 yrs 10 mos)
    • Production Manager
      Oct 2022 - Apr 2025 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      Responsible for a 10% increase in production output through targeted process optimisation. Involved in a significant €35 million project, focusing on strategic planning and execution. Driving continuous improvement of production lines to increase productivity through effective CapEx and OpEx management. Initiated measures to reduce emissions by 25%, promoting sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.

    • LTO Specialist
      Jul 2021 - Sep 2022 · 1 yr 3 mos

      Managed essential inspections in accordance with Seveso, environmental and § 82b GewO regulations. Successfully supported approval processes for regulatory submissions. Implemented 'Legal CARE' system to optimise compliance monitoring and process efficiency.

  • Johannes Kepler University Linz (4 yrs 5 mos)
    • Research Associate with Academic Degree
      Feb 2018 - Jun 2021 · 3 yrs 5 mos

      Doctoral thesis: "Novel nanocomposite powder coatings based on the sol-gel process". This work introduced innovative surface treatment technologies that could revolutionise the industry. Developed and painstakingly refined analytical methods that significantly improved the efficiency and quality of chemical processes, laying the foundations for future industrial applications.

    • Master Thesis Student
      Feb 2017 - Mar 2018 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Master thesis: "Synthesis of acrylate-based polymers". Conducted in-depth research and development, optimising methods to increase yield and tailor material properties for specific applications. Carried out extensive product characterisation, providing critical insight into their practical applications and informing further research directions.

  • Tutor at JKU Open Lab
    Nov 2014 - Mar 2017 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Supervised and mentored minors in a laboratory environment, ensuring a safe, educational and engaging experience for all participants. Developed and delivered educational content that simplified complex scientific concepts, making them accessible and interesting to young learners.

  • Summer intern at Sunpor Kunststoff GmbH
    Sep 2015 · 1 mo