Factory Manager - Food manufacturing (soya processing)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Who are we: 
A leading manufacturing business in Africa, driving innovation and excellence in food production.

Who are we looking for: 
We are seeking a Factory Manager with experience in food manufacturing, specifically in Africa. The ideal candidate will have expertise in soya processing and a deep understanding of managing complex production operations.

What will you do:

• Oversee the smooth operation of food production, ensuring effective planning, troubleshooting, and adherence to KPIs.
• Optimise production processes while maintaining quality, food safety, and occupational health and safety standards.
• Monitor raw material and packaging usage, ensuring minimal waste through root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Manage equipment, tools, and inventory for optimal utilization and maintenance.
• Enhance process capabilities through continuous improvement and standardization.
• Develop and implement GMP, HACCP, and food safety systems to mitigate physical, chemical, and biological hazards.
• Lead, train, and develop the team to ensure operational excellence.
• Troubleshoot and maintain critical machinery, including mixers, extruders, hammer mills, dryers, and packaging equipment.
• Conduct SWOT analysis for processes and teams to drive sustainable growth.
• Oversee compliance with legal, regulatory, and quality standards, ensuring readiness for government audits.
• Manage product dispatch and ensure seamless delivery.
• Conduct market visits to review customer quality assurance (CQA) reports and assess market demands.

What do you need:

• Proven experience in food manufacturing, with a deep understanding of the "Farm to Fork" value chain.
• Expertise in mixing, extrusion, hammer mills, dryers, and packaging machinery troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of food recipes, raw materials, and packaging processes.
• Demonstrated ability in root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Experience with cost and budget management for sustainable growth.
• Knowledge of product nutritional regulations, quality standards, and shelf-life optimization.
• Familiarity with legal compliance and regulatory frameworks in food manufacturing.
• Skills in project management, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Strong negotiation skills to manage suppliers and address consumer non-compliance.