Production Manager – Snack Food Plant

About the role

The company is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead its potato chips manufacturing plant in Abidjan. You will be responsible for ensuring high‑volume production runs are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, organise and supervise daily production activities, aligning schedules with sales forecasts and customer demand.
• Manage the full chip‑making process – from raw‑material receipt, washing, peeling, slicing, blanching, frying, seasoning, cooling, packaging to palletising.
• Lead production supervisors, line leaders and operators; develop shift schedules, conduct performance reviews and drive teamwork.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000 and internal SOPs; monitor critical control points and product traceability.
• Promote a strong health‑and‑safety culture, conduct toolbox talks and investigate incidents.
• Identify and implement continuous‑improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, OEE) to reduce waste, improve cycle times and lower costs.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, equipment commissioning and upgrades with the Maintenance department.
• Control raw‑material and packaging inventories, minimise material waste and ensure accurate production reporting.

Required profile

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

Required skills

• HACCP, GMP and ISO 22000 food‑safety systems.
• Lean manufacturing, Kaizen and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) methodologies.
• Production planning and scheduling.
• Preventive maintenance coordination and equipment commissioning.
• Inventory and material control.