GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Head of Production is responsible for leading and optimizing all manufacturing operations, including primary processing (tobacco preparation) and secondary manufacturing (cigarette production and packing), to ensure efficiency, product quality, regulatory compliance, and cost control.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
Production Strategy & Planning · Define and implement the production strategy aligned with business and sales forecasts. · Develop short-, medium-, and long-term production plans. · Optimize capacity utilization and production scheduling. · Ensure alignment between demand planning, supply chain, and production output. Manufacturing Operations Management · Oversee end-to-end production processes: Primary processing: leaf handling, blending, conditioning. Secondary manufacturing: cigarette making, packing, and labeling. · Ensure smooth operation of all production lines (makers, packers, filter lines). · Drive operational efficiency and throughput improvement. · Minimize downtime and production losses.
Quality Assurance & Control · Ensure compliance with product specifications and global quality standards. · Implement and monitor Quality Management Systems (QMS). · Oversee testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods. · Lead initiatives to reduce defects, rejects, and rework Regulatory & Excise Compliance · Ensure compliance with Cameroon tobacco regulations, including: Health warnings and packaging requirements Excise duty controls and bonded warehouse rules · Manage relationships with regulatory authorities. · Ensure accurate production reporting for tax and audit purposes. · Prevent risks related to illicit production or diversion. Cost Management & Efficiency · Control production costs (labor, materials, energy, waste). · Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). · Drive cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality. · Monitor and optimize yield and material usage (tobacco, filters, paper). Maintenance & Engineering Oversight · Ensure preventive and corrective maintenance of all equipment. · Collaborate with engineering teams to improve machine reliability. · Oversee installation and commissioning of new equipment. · Minimize breakdowns and ensure high equipment uptime. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) · Enforce strict compliance with occupational health and safety standards. · Implement HSE policies and risk prevention programs. · Ensure safe handling of materials and machinery. · Promote a strong safety culture across production teams. Team Leadership & Workforce Management · Lead production staff.
· Set performance targets and conduct regular evaluations. · Build technical capabilities through training and development. · Manage workforce planning (shifts, staffing levels).
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION · Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) or related field
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE · Tobacco Manufacturing Processes · Production Planning & Capacity Management · Industrial Engineering & Performance Metrics · Maintenance & Reliability Engineering · Supply Chain & Inventory Management
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE · Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement · Costing & Financial Drivers in Production · Digital & Industrial Systems · Local Operating Environment
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
· Manufacturing Operations Expertise · Technical & Engineering Competence · Production Planning & Execution · Cost Control & Efficiency Management · Maintenance & Reliability Management · Leadership & People Management · Problem-Solving & Decision-Making · Positive attitudes · Ability to multitasks · Ability to work under pressure
DESIRABLE SKILLS
· Advanced Manufacturing & Process Optimization · Continuous Improvement & Innovation · Adaptability in Emerging Market Conditions · Data Analytics & Digital Tools · Leadership in Industrial Environments · Data-Driven Manufacturing Management · Tobacco Manufacturing Technical Expertise
PREFERRED WORK
EXPERIENCE
· 10–15 years’ experience in manufacturing, preferably in tobacco or FMCG · Strong experience managing automated production lines · Knowledge of tobacco processing and cigarette manufacturing technologies is a strong advantage · Experience in regulated industries is highly preferred
TECHNICAL
COMPETENCIES · Strong operational and technical leadership · Deep understanding of manufacturing processes · Analytical and problem-solving skills · Cost management and efficiency optimization · Regulatory awareness and compliance discipline
· People leadership and team development
LEADERSHIP
COMPETENCIES · Strategic thinking with strong execution capability · High resilience and adaptability in complex environments · Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills · Results-driven with strong accountability