Production Manager – Snack Food Plant

About the role

The company is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead its high‑volume snack food (potato chips) plant in Abidjan. You will be responsible for ensuring efficient, safe, and cost‑effective production that meets quality standards and customer demand.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, organize and supervise daily production activities to meet schedules and budgets.
• Manage the full chip‑making process – from raw potato receiving through washing, peeling, slicing, blanching, frying, seasoning, cooling, packaging and palletizing.
• Optimize equipment utilization, minimize downtime, and balance manpower across lines.
• Lead and develop production supervisors, line leaders, operators and packers; conduct performance reviews and training.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, internal SOPs and customer specifications; oversee food safety audits.
• Maintain occupational health and safety standards, conduct toolbox talks and incident investigations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, lean manufacturing) to boost OEE, reduce waste and lower costs.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and work closely 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 is a plus).
• 15+ years of manufacturing experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial production role.
• Proven experience in snack foods, potato chips or FMCG manufacturing.
• 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)
• Preventive maintenance
• Inventory management
• Production planning