Head of Production

About the role

The Head of Production will lead all manufacturing activities for a tobacco company, overseeing both primary processing and secondary cigarette production. This senior position is responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, product quality, regulatory compliance, and cost control across the plant.

Key responsibilities

• Define and implement production strategies aligned with business forecasts and sales plans.
• Develop short‑, medium‑ and long‑term production schedules to optimise capacity utilisation.
• Oversee end‑to‑end manufacturing processes, including leaf handling, blending, conditioning, cigarette making, packing and labeling.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase throughput, minimise downtime and reduce defects.
• Ensure compliance with global quality standards and manage the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Maintain strict adherence to Cameroon tobacco regulations, excise duties and bonded‑warehouse rules.
• Control production costs, improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and optimise material yields.
• Supervise preventive and corrective maintenance, and coordinate new equipment installation.
• Enforce health, safety and environmental policies and promote a strong safety culture.
• Lead, evaluate and develop production staff, managing shift planning and workforce levels.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) or a related field.
• Extensive experience in tobacco manufacturing or similar heavy‑industry production environments.
• Proven ability to manage large‑scale production operations and lead cross‑functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory and excise compliance for tobacco products.
• Demonstrated track record in cost control, OEE improvement and capacity planning.

Required skills

• In‑depth knowledge of tobacco manufacturing processes.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and product compliance.
• Understanding of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) metrics.
• Familiarity with production planning, capacity management and industrial engineering principles.