About this role
General Manager
The General Manager is responsible for the end-to-end operation, performance, and profitability of the cottonseed processing facility, including seed preparation, crushing, solvent extraction, refining, utilities, maintenance, quality assurance, safety, and commercial optimization. The role drives operational excellence, yield improvement, cost efficiency, and sustainable growth while ensuring compliance with regulatory, quality, and safety standards.
Responsibilities
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Plant Operations & Production
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Lead end-to-end cottonseed oil mill operations, including extraction, refining, meal production, packaging, and dispatch.
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Deliver production targets while improving yield, recovery, quality, and operational efficiency.
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Drive continuous improvement and process optimisation initiatives.
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Technical & Maintenance Excellence
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Optimise key process parameters to maximise oil recovery, product quality, and energy efficiency.
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Lead troubleshooting, automation, reliability improvements, and plant upgrades.
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Ensure high equipment uptime through effective maintenance and asset management.
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Commercial & Financial Performance
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Own mill P&L and drive profitability through yield enhancement, cost control, waste reduction, and capacity optimisation.
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Support budgeting, performance reviews, and operational decision-making.
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Quality, Safety & Compliance
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Ensure compliance with quality, food safety, HSE, and regulatory standards.
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Foster a strong safety culture and lead quality improvement initiatives.
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People & Stakeholder Management
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Lead and develop production, maintenance, quality, and utility teams.
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Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to optimise business and supply chain performance.
Experience
- 15+ years of experience in edible oils, oilseed crushing, solvent extraction, or agri-processing industries.
- Strong experience in:
- Cottonseed processing
- Solvent extraction plants
- Refining operations
- Utilities and maintenance management
- Proven leadership of large manufacturing teams.
- Experience in Africa or emerging markets is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated track record of operational turnaround and profitability improvement.
Qualifications
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Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Food Technology, or related discipline.
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Master's degree / MBA preferred.
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Olam Agri is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nationality, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Applicants are requested to complete all required steps in the application process including providing a resume/CV in order to be considered for open roles.