Production Manager (Chips plant)

About the role

The Production Manager will lead the high‑volume potato chips plant in Abidjan, ensuring that production targets are met while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency. This role oversees the entire manufacturing flow from raw material receipt to finished‑goods packaging.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, organize and supervise daily production activities to meet schedules and budgets.
• Coordinate production based on sales forecasts, optimise capacity and minimise downtime.
• Manage all chip‑making processes: receiving, washing, peeling, slicing, blanching (if applicable), frying, seasoning, cooling, packaging and palletising.
• Lead and develop production supervisors, line leaders, machine operators and packers; create shift schedules and conduct performance evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000 and internal SOPs; monitor critical control points and product traceability.
• Promote occupational health and safety, conduct toolbox talks and investigate incidents.
• Identify and drive continuous‑improvement initiatives (Kaizen, lean, OEE) to reduce waste and lower costs.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance with the Maintenance Department and support equipment commissioning.
• Control raw material and packaging inventory, monitor consumption and report production metrics.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Production or Manufacturing Engineering (Master’s degree is a plus).
• 15+ years of manufacturing experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial production role.
• Proven experience in snack‑food or FMCG manufacturing, preferably potato‑chips production.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high‑volume production lines and lead large teams.

Required skills

• HACCP
• GMP
• ISO 22000
• Lean manufacturing
• Kaizen
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) analysis
• Preventive maintenance coordination