Head of Production – Manufacturing Operations

About the role

The Head of Production leads all manufacturing activities, from tobacco leaf processing to cigarette production and packing, ensuring efficiency, quality, compliance and cost control. This senior position drives strategic planning, operational excellence and a strong safety culture across the plant.

Key responsibilities

• Define and implement production strategy aligned with sales forecasts and capacity plans.
• Oversee primary processing (leaf handling, blending, conditioning) and secondary manufacturing (cigarette making, packing, labeling).
• Ensure product quality through robust Quality Management Systems and testing of raw materials, in‑process and finished goods.
• Maintain compliance with Cameroon tobacco regulations, excise duties and reporting requirements.
• Control production costs, improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and optimize material yields.
• Manage preventive and corrective maintenance, equipment reliability and new‑equipment commissioning.
• Enforce health, safety and environmental standards and promote a safety‑first culture.
• Lead and develop production teams, set performance targets and manage workforce planning.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Deep knowledge of tobacco manufacturing processes, production planning and capacity management.
• Experience with industrial engineering metrics, performance improvement and maintenance reliability.

Required skills

• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) monitoring
• Production planning and capacity management
• Maintenance management and equipment reliability

What we offer

• Leadership role in a major manufacturing facility
• Opportunity to shape production strategy and drive continuous improvement
• Competitive compensation package