Production Manager – Chips Plant

About the role

The Production Manager will lead the entire potato chips manufacturing operation in Abidjan, ensuring that production targets are met while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, organise and supervise daily production activities to meet schedules and budgets.
• Coordinate production based on sales forecasts, optimise capacity, and minimise downtime.
• Oversee all processing steps – receiving, washing, peeling, slicing, blanching, frying, seasoning, cooling, packaging and palletising.
• Lead and develop production supervisors, line leaders and operators, including shift scheduling and performance evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000 and internal SOPs, manage product holds and support audits.
• Promote occupational health and safety, conduct toolbox talks and investigate incidents.
• Drive continuous improvement through lean, Kaizen and OEE initiatives to reduce waste and costs.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, equipment commissioning and upgrades with the Maintenance department.
• Control raw material and packaging inventory, monitor consumption and ensure accurate production reporting.

Required profile

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

Required skills

• HACCP
• GMP
• ISO 22000
• Lean Manufacturing
• Kaizen
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) analysis
• Preventive Maintenance planning
• Production Planning and Scheduling
• Inventory Management