General Manager Operations {Job Location - Tanzania}

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end plant and manufacturing operations and ensure efficient production.
• Manage production planning, capacity utilization, productivity, yield and operational KPIs.
• Provide technical and operational leadership across edible oil refining, oilseed crushing, fractionation, palm kernel processing and margarine production.
• Oversee manufacturing operations for soap, detergent and cosmetic products.
• Lead plant erection, expansion, installation, commissioning and stabilization projects.
• Coordinate with engineering teams, equipment suppliers, consultants and contractors during plant projects.
• Optimize production processes, raw material utilization, energy consumption and manufacturing costs.
• Ensure maximum equipment availability through effective maintenance and reliability programs.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, food safety, quality, environmental and HSE standards.
• Develop and monitor annual operating budgets and drive cost reduction initiatives.
• Lead and develop production, engineering, maintenance, quality and operations teams.
• Establish performance KPIs and drive continuous improvement across all manufacturing functions.
• Coordinate with Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Sales and Quality teams to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Provide regular operational reports, performance analysis and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure effective manpower planning, training, succession planning and leadership development.

Preferred candidate profile

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Food Technology, Oil Technology or a related field.
• Minimum 20+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with significant exposure to edible oil and FMCG industries.
• Proven experience as GM Operations, Operations Head, Plant Head, Factory Head or equivalent senior leadership position.
• Strong experience in edible oil refining and oilseed crushing is essential.
• Extensive exposure to fractionation, palm kernel processing and margarine production.
• Experience in soap, detergent and cosmetic manufacturing will be highly preferred.
• Proven track record in plant erection, commissioning, trial production and operational stabilization.
• Strong knowledge of plant engineering, production processes, maintenance, quality, safety and manufacturing economics.
• Experience managing large teams and multiple manufacturing functions.
• Strong commercial understanding with the ability to drive cost optimization, productivity improvement and profitability.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
• International / Africa manufacturing experience will be an added advantage.