Our partners, a leading holding company in the steel industry, it manages multiple subsidiaries across Africa specializing in manufacturing, processing, and distribution. They are currently hiring a Production Manager who will lead and oversee production operations across the rolling mill, section mill, furnace, and oxygen plant. The role is responsible for planning, directing, monitoring, and scheduling production activities and resources to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. The position will drive continuous improvement initiatives, achieve production targets through Lean methodologies, maintain quality standards, and support the organization’s operational and strategic objectives.
Responsibilities
- Develop production plans based on sales forecasts, production capacity, product requirements, and operational priorities.
- Establish and monitor short- and long-term objectives related to safety, quality, on-time delivery, profitability, cost savings, and production performance.
- Oversee the complete production process to ensure required grades, sizes, quantities, and production targets are achieved.
- Prepare and communicate weekly and monthly production plans and monitor progress against targets.
- Coordinate with procurement to identify material requirements and finalize future production and order schedules.
- Forecast manpower requirements and maintain appropriate staffing schedules based on production plans.
- Review and approve cost estimates, manpower requirements, and facility needs.
- Conduct regular cross-functional meetings with relevant production, scrap, HR, logistics, and support teams.
- Identify and implement initiatives to improve production efficiency, reduce costs, optimize materials management, and enhance production processes.
- Evaluate and introduce new techniques, technologies, and methodologies to improve operational performance.
- Provide management with recommendations and strategic proposals related to production effectiveness and continuous improvement.
- Establish and monitor operational standards, processes, and performance improvement plans.
- Review internal audit findings, identify areas of concern, and implement corrective action plans.
- Ensure compliance with quality, regulatory, environmental, health and safety, labor, and other statutory requirements.
- Identify operational and compliance risks and develop appropriate mitigation plans.
- Promote initiatives focused on reducing waste, improving quality, increasing efficiency, strengthening safety, and fostering continuous improvement.
- Ensure production employees understand and comply with quality, safety, hygiene, and operational standards.
- Monitor production performance, troubleshoot operational issues, and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Support new projects, facility development, and special production initiatives.
- Monitor team and individual performance and provide the necessary guidance and support to achieve operational objectives.
- Optimize resource allocation across production teams and enhance employee capabilities and engagement.
- Review shift schedules and ensure effective workforce rotation across shifts, including subcontracted workers.
- Resolve escalated issues related to manpower, shift planning, and leave schedules.
- Support the implementation of new products and ensure production readiness without delays.
- Drive innovation, automation, and operational efficiency initiatives.
- Monitor furnace and raw material yields, production costs, overtime, maintenance expenses, and overall resource utilization.
- Ensure effective planned maintenance of production equipment and minimize unplanned downtime.
- Ensure timely preparation and submission of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual production reports.
- Promote a strong safety culture and improve employee awareness of HSE requirements.
- Support environmental and sustainability initiatives and contribute to reducing pollution.
- Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction by minimizing production-related complaints.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Diploma in Engineering, preferably in Mechanical, Industrial, Production, or Metallurgy.
- Six Sigma certification or another relevant professional certification is desirable.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in production or operations within the steel manufacturing industry; 18+ years for Diploma candidates.
- Strong hands-on experience in steel melting through Induction Furnace/AOD, Billet Caster, TMT Bar Mill, and Small Section Mill operations.
- At least 3 years of experience as a Production Manager, independently managing overall production and operational functions.
- Experience working in African or Gulf countries is desirable but not mandatory.
- In-depth knowledge of steel production processes, equipment, and operational practices.
- Knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean, and Agile manufacturing methodologies.
- Understanding of economic and market trends within the steel industry and relevant regional markets.
- Proficiency in English and the local language, or willingness to learn; French is preferred.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Strong leadership, people management, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Strong strategic thinking and execution capabilities.
- Ability to build collaborative partnerships and maintain professional credibility.
- Effective team leadership and a strong team-player mindset.
- Willingness to work additional hours when required.
Location
- Burkina Faso, Africa