Job description:

The primary purpose of the role is to provide Technical leadership to all our clients businesses and to lead all Capex projects from Concept to Implementation. The technical and manufacturing starch expert reports directly to this position whilst the Countries Technical managers will have a strong dotted line report to this role. The position will involve the following functions:

Drive stability and overall operation reliability and efficiencies of the company operations
Implementation of Maintenance plans and monitoring of Maintenance
Execution for all company sites Planning and execution of CAPEX projects throughout Africa Functional leadership to the on-site Technical Teams
Develop and implement new processes and products according to the needs of our clients international travel required, candidates must have valid passport ?
Job Requirements:

Electrical, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering degree
Additional Food Processing qualification
Minimum five years' experience
Experience in factory engineering, managing food processing and product and process development
Significant experience in building new food factories in Africa
Experience in the development of new processes and process improvement
Extensive knowledge of project management in research
Experience in the Starch Industry

Key Performance Areas

Stability of output and consistency of product across all countries
Planning and execution of CAPEX projects
Maintenance of all Facilities and Equipment
Product development, meeting customer requests in line with business need. (considering hurdle rates): Lead definition and implementation of projects
Improvements (quality – food safety, efficiency energy, water usage, environmental impact and cost) of existing and new machinery and processes
Functional leadership: Knowledge transfer and people development
Drive R&D projects with external partners


Technical Knowledge

Mechanical and hygienic engineering knowledge
Food processing and food equipment knowledge
Starch production equipment and processes knowledge
Strong in project management
Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) or World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methods
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (writing, speaking)
Professional proficiency in English is a must
Proficiency in French and Portuguese is advantageous
International Standards on Environmental, Quality Systems and Hygienic Engineering
Ability to implement, to sustain and improve, and to ensure compliance with people safety and food safety regulations.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft applications Excel, PowerPoint and Word


Behavioral Competencies

Problem solving and crisis management ability
Critical and strategic thinker with strong negotiation skills
Financial skill sets
Leadership and management for results and impact
Self-Starter and self-motivated
Highly motivated and results orientated
Pro-active, reliable, team player who thrives on building partnerships
Decisive and Innovative