Project Head(Manufacturing) - Central Africa
Job Summary:
- We are seeking an accomplished and visionary General Manager with a strong background in the food industry, retail, and manufacturing sectors.
- The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence across these industries.
- The candidate must possess a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and hands-on experience in Greenfield projects, along with a deep understanding of Kaizen and Lean Management principles.
- The role requires a leader who can drive growth, optimize operations, and ensure the highest standards of quality and efficiency in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement long-term strategic plans to achieve organizational goals and objectives across the food, retail, and manufacturing verticals.
- Drive growth initiatives, including market expansion, product diversification, and operational scaling.
- Oversee the overall operations of the business units, ensuring alignment with the company's vision, mission, and values.
- Identify emerging trends and opportunities in the food, retail, and manufacturing industries to maintain a competitive edge.
Greenfield Project Management:
- Lead and manage Greenfield projects from conception to execution, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, engineering, procurement, operations, and marketing, to ensure seamless project execution.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000), and industry best practices.
- Oversee the setup of new manufacturing facilities, retail outlets, or food processing units, ensuring they meet operational and financial targets.
Operational Excellence:
- Implement Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Six Sigma principles to optimize production processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across food production, retail operations, and manufacturing to ensure operational efficiency and productivity.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across all business units.
- Ensure the highest standards of quality control and food safety are maintained throughout the supply chain.
Retail and Supply Chain Management:
- Oversee retail operations, including inventory management, merchandising, and customer experience, to drive sales and profitability.
- Optimize the supply chain to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and finished goods while minimizing costs.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and retailers to ensure smooth operations.
- Implement strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer loyalty in the retail space.
Team Leadership:
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team across food, retail, and manufacturing verticals.
- Provide guidance and support to department heads to achieve their targets and objectives.
- Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to drive employee development.
Financial Management:
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning to ensure profitability and sustainability.
- Monitor and control costs while maintaining high-quality standards across all operations.
- Analyze financial reports and take corrective actions to address variances and improve profitability.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards.
Stakeholder Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and industry partners.
- Represent the company in industry forums, trade shows, and events to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to align business strategies with stakeholder expectations.
Qualifications:
Educational Background:
- Preferred MBA with an Engineering background (Mechanical, Industrial, Food Technology, or related field).
Experience:
- Minimum of 15+ years of experience in the food industry, retail, and manufacturing sectors, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven experience in managing Greenfield projects (e.g., setting up new manufacturing plants, retail outlets, or food processing units).
- Strong understanding of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000) and regulatory compliance.
- Experience in retail operations, including supply chain management, inventory control, and customer engagement.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong understanding of Kaizen, Lean Management, and Six Sigma principles.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Proficiency in using ERP systems and other manufacturing/retail software.
- Knowledge of food processing technologies and retail trends.
Personal Attributes:
- High energy, self-motivated, and results-oriented.
- Strong ethical standards and integrity.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Innovative and forward-thinking mindset.
- Passion for driving excellence in the food, retail, and manufacturing industries.
Compensation:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
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