MidFull TimeENAfrica
Who are we?
SOLEVO is a leading distributor of chemicals and inputs for specific industrial and agricultural segments in Africa. SOLEVO assists African farmers and Industries succeed by providing them with a full range of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products and industrial chemicals they need with a guaranteed quality and good value. With over 75 years at the frontier of economic growth and transformation across Africa, we deliver critical raw materials and expertise to the continent’s high GDP-contributing life sciences and industrials sectors.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a highly experienced and technically strong Operations Manager who can lead production and maintenance functions while driving efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement across the plant.
What do we expect from the candidate?
We expect a results-driven and safety-focused leader who can take full ownership of plant operations while building strong, high-performing teams.
The key responsibilities:
Improve and maintain the performance of the production and maintenance departments through effective management (incl. leading, coaching, motivation and development) of the supervisory/leadership team.
Manage the Technical Services (specifically Maintenance) department to ensure that all machines, facilities and equipment factory-wide is maintained in a healthy, safe, and legally compliant condition. Lead the Maintenance Department in the planning, development, and execution of maintenance and engineering activities in support of all company operational activities.
Provide adequate installed capacity to meet the company’s current manufacturing requirements and lead the sourcing and implementation of machinery and equipment to satisfy any capacity improvement plans.
Ensure that adequate resources (incl. labour, PPE, training) are available to carry out the manufacturing and maintenance tasks safely and effectively.
Ensure the capacity of planning for all plants is effective to ensure OTIF delivery, and balances with demand and available stock to minimise waste in the form of overproduction.
Develop and maintain a culture that embraces TPM incl. continuous improvement, MDWT and lean manufacturing.
Continually revise and align maintenance and engineering plans in line with company operational requirements and factory capacity demands, as well as any strategic directives and objectives.
Ensure that Production and Technical Services Departments are staffed with the right people in the right place, skilled and provided with the necessary training, tools and PPE to perform their duties as effectively as possible.
Through training and coaching, implement 5S projects to improve workplace organisation and housekeeping, hence impacting safety and the company image.
Maintain and further develop a culture of discipline, mutual respect, high work ethic, teamwork, and continual improvement.
Develop and maintain an environment of trust, diversity and inclusion within the operations team.
Manage all resources responsibly and efficiently – (Human, Technical, Economic) – identify gaps, bottlenecks, cost savings opportunities and optimise resource utilisation always aiming for high levels of efficiency and sustainability. Pro-actively identify and investigate opportunities for improvement in factory capacity, quality of output and efficiencies.
New projects – technical development and installation of new plant, facilities, equipment and processes.
As GMR 2 and 16.2 appointee, assume a leadership role in SHE management activities of the company.
At all times implement and adhere to all aspects of the RAIMS (Rolfes Agri Integrated Management System). System covers amongst others Occupational Health and Safety, Environment, Quality, Risk Management together with all related legal compliance matters.
Participate in various company meetings and report to EXCO on performance and KPI’s (volumes, quality non-conformances, safety, plant performance and utilisation of resources).
If you possess…
Must-Have:
Grade 12 / Senior Certificate plus a tertiary qualification in suitable engineering discipline.
Postgraduate studies towards a management or business-related field.
Extensive experience in Engineering and Maintenance of plant/machinery installations for manufacture of highly formulated chemical and agricultural products.
Extensive experience in managing production plants and processes.
GMR 2 and Section 16.2 appointee.
Nice-to-Have:
Personality, knowledge and skills required (but not limited to):
o Strategic, technically minded, target-driven individual.
o Strong people management skills with emphasis on building successful teams.
o Zero tolerance for unsafe acts and conditions.
o General business and inter-departmental process understanding.
o Effective planning, leading and organising skills.
o Good written and verbal communication skills
o Project management skills
o Understand financial systems and reports e.g. P&L, income statements. budgeting skills.
o Ability to manage maintenance/engineering teams to ensure healthy plants and equipment.
o Legal compliance of installations and plant and machinery
o Cost management – production and maintenance expenses, incl. overtime.
o Knowledge of SHERQ Integrated Management Systems.
o Computer literate – competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
If you are…
Why join Solevo?
Join a young dynamic team who is leading the chemical distribution on the African continent.
Enjoy a collaborative, international and agile work environment.
Be part of a team where freedom, initiative and ‘thinking out of the box’ is key.
Opportunity to work in a growing versatile environment.
Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits package.
Explore opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
Then, this job is for you!
How to join us?
If you’re excited about this position, we encourage you to submit your resume detailing your relevant experience and be part of our exciting journey.
What's next ?
If your profile matches our search, you will be contacted by our HR team for a first contact.
Please be informed that we will keep your profile to contact you for future professional opportunities.
