Factory Manager - Food Manufacturing (Soya Processing)

Remuneration:	market-related
Location:	Lusaka
Job level:	Senior
Type:	Permanent
Company:	Ad Talent Africa

Who we are

A leading manufacturing business in Africa, driving innovation and excellence in food production.

Who we are 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 you will 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 utilisation and maintenance.
• Enhance process capabilities through continuous improvement and standardisation.
• 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 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 optimisation.
• 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.

Key competencies

• Budget management
• Costing
• Equipment operation
• Farming operations
• Food processing
• Packaging manufacturing
• Product management
• Project management

Posted on 18 Dec 15:51, Closing date 17 Jan