Technical Director – Production (Cement)

About the role

The Technical Director – Production will provide group‑wide technical leadership for cement manufacturing across multiple plants in Africa. Based in Lagos, the role drives operational excellence, sustainability and digital transformation for the company’s clinker and cement operations.

Key responsibilities

• Define and implement production strategies aligned with growth and profitability targets.
• Provide technical oversight for clinker and cement plants in several countries, establishing standardized operating frameworks, KPIs and benchmarks.
• Lead root‑cause analysis, reduce process variability and improve operational stability.
• Optimize heat, fuel and power consumption, and develop fuel‑mix strategies including coal, gas, LPFO and alternative fuels.
• Deploy advanced process control, AI‑driven optimisation, predictive analytics and real‑time monitoring tools.
• Oversee plant expansion, upgrades and commissioning projects, ensuring budget and schedule compliance.
• Champion health, safety, CO₂ reduction and energy‑efficiency initiatives.
• Build and develop high‑performing technical teams, succession plans and capability programmes.
• Report production performance to executive management and drive corrective actions.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in cement or similar heavy‑industry production environments.
• Proven track record of leading multi‑site operations and driving standardisation.
• Strong analytical mindset with ability to implement digital and AI solutions.
• Demonstrated leadership in safety, sustainability and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills to influence senior stakeholders.

Required skills

• Kiln operations and pyro‑processing
• Grinding systems and raw‑mix design
• Process optimisation and root‑cause analysis
• Advanced process control systems
• AI‑driven optimisation, predictive analytics and real‑time monitoring
• Fuel‑mix optimisation and alternative fuel utilisation
• Condition‑based and predictive maintenance strategies
• CO₂ reduction and energy‑efficiency initiatives