Plant Manager – Pasta Production (South‑Eastern Africa)

About the role

The Plant Manager will lead the pasta manufacturing operation in South‑Eastern Africa, ensuring alignment with the global supply‑chain strategy and the company’s long‑term vision. This senior position oversees all aspects of production, from resource planning to safety compliance, to drive efficiency and market growth.

Key responsibilities

• Direct all operational and production activities in line with the Global Supply Chain business plan and strategic goals.
• Set short‑ and long‑term production targets and define the functional unit’s vision.
• Coordinate with third‑party labour providers to secure contract labour that meets quality and safety standards.
• Collaborate with regional managers on material, space, equipment, personnel needs, process development, budgeting and cost constraints.
• Monitor performance against production goals and reallocate resources (personnel, equipment, materials) to optimise quality, output, market share and cost‑efficiency.
• Guarantee uninterrupted plant operation by ensuring the availability of input and packing materials.
• Lead the overall production plan, supervising day‑to‑day activities and driving Lean improvement projects.
• Initiate and participate in engineering projects, new product launches and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Enforce staff compliance with safety standards and maintain equipment safety at all times.
• Manage direct reports: assign work, coach, set goals, evaluate performance, plan development and make people‑management decisions in partnership with HR.
• Develop and implement operating standards to achieve regulatory compliance.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by business leadership.

Required profile

• 5–10 years of experience in pasta technology and general manufacturing management.
• Proven ability to lead large production teams and manage third‑party labour resources.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous‑improvement methodologies.
• Experience collaborating with regional managers and supply‑chain functions.
• Demonstrated focus on safety compliance and equipment safety.
• Track record of delivering engineering projects and new product launches.
• Capability to manage budgets, control costs and optimise resource allocation.

Required skills

• Pasta technology
• Lean manufacturing
• Production planning
• Supply chain management
• Engineering project management
• Safety compliance