About the job
The position involves assisting the Country Technical Director in managing the factory’s technical and production processes, serving as a critical deputy to maintain smooth daily manufacturing operations. The incumbent will receive structured development and mentorship to prepare for future leadership as a Country Technical Director, equipping them with the skills and expertise necessary to independently oversee a country’s technical operations.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of duties and responsibilities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Maintain meticulous attention to detail in all tasks, while adhering to established protocols and compliance requirements. Monitor progress and performance metrics to identify opportunities for optimization and innovation. Lead by example in fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and excellence within the team. Serve as a trusted resource for colleagues, providing guidance and support to achieve collective goals.
Assist the Country Technical Director in executing the Group’s manufacturing strategy, policies, and procedures by developing and implementing operational plans and initiatives at the factory level.
Support the Country Technical Director in the development and assessment of capital expenditure investment proposals encompassing machinery, site development, and automation infrastructure.
Support the Country Technical Director in overseeing day-to-day production operations, with responsibilities encompassing planning, scheduling, and performance tracking.
Provide leadership and assistance for engineering initiatives at the manufacturing facility, encompassing equipment upgrades, process automation installations, and utilities oversight, while guaranteeing timely, budget-conscious, and specification-compliant project completion.
Spearhead the implementation and integration of process automation technologies to minimize the need for manual oversight and intervention.
Facilitate research and development initiatives and drive new product development efforts directly at the manufacturing facility.
Play a key role in advancing continuous improvement efforts, reducing waste, and integrating lean manufacturing methodologies throughout the entire factory operation.
Collaborate closely with the Group Technical Department and the Country Technical Director to evaluate and approve external contractors and machine suppliers.
Collaborate directly with the Country Technical Director to provide supervision, mentorship, and guidance to the factory’s technical and production teams, fostering their professional growth and operational excellence.
Serve as the main liaison for the technical team in the Country Technical Director’s temporary absence, maintaining uninterrupted workflow and operational efficiency.
Assist the Country Technical Director in developing and overseeing the factory’s annual technical and production budget, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring adherence to Group financial standards and applicable legal requirements.
Develop and sustain robust collaborative partnerships with manufacturing teams, internal technical departments, and essential external suppliers and regulatory agencies.
Prepare routine reports detailing the factory’s technical and production performance metrics and submit them to the Country Technical Director, ensuring all agreed-upon Key Performance Indicators are included.
Effectively liaise with internal stakeholders to convey the implications of technical or process modifications on production and supply, while concurrently developing solutions that safeguard quality benchmarks and cost objectives.
Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of three years of experience in a similar role. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong analytical skills are essential. The ideal applicant will demonstrate excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, along with exceptional organizational and time management capabilities. Experience with project management tools and a proven track record of meeting deadlines are highly desirable. Knowledge of industry-specific software or systems is a plus.
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field is required.
A minimum of five years of experience within the food industry is required, encompassing a well-rounded combination of engineering and production responsibilities.
Proven experience within fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) or food manufacturing operations is a prerequisite for this role.
Experienced in applying practical expertise in food production methodologies, adherence to quality benchmarks, and strict food safety protocols, including HACCP, GMP, and ISO standards.
Candidates possessing hands-on experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), SCADA, process automation platforms, or industrial control systems will be given strong consideration.
Proficiency in artificial intelligence, data analytics, or digital manufacturing solutions utilized in a production setting would be considered beneficial.
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is a fundamental requirement for fulfilling Group reporting obligations and facilitating seamless cross-country collaboration. Proficiency in French is considered an additional asset.
Proficient in utilizing computer systems, including MS Office, MS Project, and ERP platforms, is required.
Capable of effectively overseeing engineering and production initiatives, fostering ongoing enhancements, and consistently achieving measurable outcomes in a manufacturing environment.
Proficient in food science, food engineering, research and development, and production methodologies, with a robust technical foundation and hands-on expertise in these domains.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 years
