Plant Operations Manager

About ofi

ofi Cameroon is a leading global supplier specializing in high-quality food and beverage ingredients, partnering with farming communities worldwide to source cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and a wide range of spices. With operations in about 50 countries and extensive manufacturing and innovation capabilities, we supply ingredients for various food products—from plant-based beverages to dairy alternatives—focusing on sustainable, traceable, and transparent supply chains while creating a positive impact for both people and planet.

Product Portfolio

ofi is recognized as the foremost global producer of dried garlic and onions, as well as a leader in sourcing and producing chilies, peppers, tropical spices, and herbs. Our extensive presence in origin markets allows consistent access to premium raw materials year-round. We manage cultivation practices and operate advanced manufacturing facilities, working closely with farmer partners to offer high-quality, sustainable spice products including organic variants. Our spices contribute distinctive flavor, color, and texture to recipes while supporting the long-term sustainability of global supply chains.

Role Purpose

The Plant Operations Manager will oversee comprehensive operations at three manufacturing plants (two large and one small), ensuring their safe operation while achieving production goals, maintaining rigorous quality and food safety standards, controlling costs, and driving operational excellence.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations across multiple sites, aligning production plans with business objectives including volume, yield, quality, and service.
• Implement and promote high standards of health and safety across all facilities, fostering a zero-harm culture and ensuring compliance with environmental health and safety regulations.
• Ensure adherence to food safety standards such as HACCP, GMP, BRC, and ISO where applicable, driving consistent quality in dehydrated product lines including onion, garlic, and herbs.
• Conduct root cause analyses and oversee corrective actions for any quality issues or customer complaints.
• Control manufacturing budgets and optimize costs by improving yields, productivity, and energy efficiency across drying, slicing, and processing operations.
• Lead continuous improvement and operational excellence projects focused on throughput enhancement, reducing downtime, minimizing waste, and implementing process upgrades and automation.
• Develop and lead a high-performing team across the sites, enhancing frontline and middle management capabilities, cultivating accountability and engagement, and planning succession for key roles.
• Coordinate production planning and inventory management effectively, ensuring raw material, semi-finished, packaging material, and finished goods inventory are optimized and support high on-time and in-full delivery with close collaboration with sales and logistics functions.
• Monitor, analyze, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) including production efficiency, yield, quality metrics, and safety performance to senior management, using data insights to inform decisions.

Experience & Qualifications

• 12 to 15 years of experience in food manufacturing, with a minimum of 5 years in senior leadership roles within plant operations.
• Specialized expertise in dehydration processes, preferably with onion, garlic, herbs, or spices products.
• Proven capability managing operations across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Leadership Competencies

• Strong process-driven approach with the aptitude to design and optimize complex manufacturing systems.
• Expertise in solving operational challenges in food processing environments.
• In-depth understanding of customer quality expectations and export standards, ensuring reliable and safe product delivery.
• Proven people management skills, capable of coaching and developing teams to foster ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Experience managing cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams and strong stakeholder relationship building.
• Effective change leadership with a focus on execution, driving transformation and operational excellence initiatives.
• Commitment to organizational values including drive, curiosity, openness, and care, with an emphasis on talent development and leadership succession.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ofi is committed to being an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and inclusion within the workplace. All qualified candidates will be considered without discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the full application process including submission of a resume or CV to be considered for the role.