Job Description: Head of Plant & Production (Paper Recycling & Conversion Industry)

Location: Madagascar

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Department: Production, Manufacturing & Engineering

Reports To: CEO / Management Committee

About the Company:

Our client is part of a diversified business group operating in the paper recycling and conversion industry. The company specializes in manufacturing kraft paper, copybooks, wrapping paper, and tissue paper using recycled paper waste. As the organization continues to expand its operations in Madagascar, it is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Plant & Production to lead manufacturing operations, improve operational efficiency, and drive business growth.

Role Summary:

The Head of Plant & Production will be responsible for leading end-to-end manufacturing operations, from raw material receipt to finished goods dispatch. The role requires a strong leader with extensive experience in paper manufacturing, plant operations, production planning, quality management, and people leadership. The ideal candidate will ensure operational excellence while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead and oversee all plant and production operations to achieve production, quality, cost, and delivery targets.

- Develop and implement production plans aligned with sales forecasts and procurement schedules.

- Drive process optimization initiatives to maximize productivity, minimize waste, and improve operational efficiency.

- Ensure compliance with quality standards and implement corrective and preventive actions for production issues.

- Manage, mentor, and develop production teams, including workforce planning, performance management, and shift operations.

- Coordinate closely with the maintenance team to ensure optimal machine availability and preventive maintenance.

- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and statutory regulations.

- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar operational excellence methodologies.

- Collaborate with procurement, logistics, warehouse, quality, and senior management to ensure seamless operations.

- Monitor plant performance through key operational KPIs and present regular reports to senior management.

- Manage production budgets, optimize resource utilization, and identify cost-saving opportunities.

- Support capacity expansion, process improvements, and strategic operational initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

- MBA in Operations, Production Management, Industrial Management, or a related field is mandatory.

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Paper Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.

- Additional certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operations Excellence will be an advantage.

Experience:

- 7-10 years of experience in plant operations or production management within the paper, pulp, paper recycling, paper conversion, or packaging industry.

- Proven experience in leading manufacturing teams and improving plant productivity.

- Strong understanding of production planning, quality systems, preventive maintenance, and manufacturing KPIs.

- Hands-on experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, workplace safety, and quality management systems.

- Experience in sustainable or environmentally responsible manufacturing environments is preferred.

- Prior international or remote-location experience will be an added advantage.

- French language proficiency is highly desirable.

Key Skills:

- Plant Operations Management

- Production Planning & Control

- Paper Manufacturing

- Paper Recycling & Conversion

- Factory Operations

- Lean Manufacturing

- Continuous Improvement

- Quality Management Systems

- Process Optimization

- Production Scheduling

- Team Leadership

- Cost Optimization

- Safety & Compliance

- KPI Management

- Cross-functional Coordination

Compensation & Benefits:

- Competitive salary in USD (inclusive of living allowance)

- Company-provided accommodation

- Interest-free car loan

- One annual return air ticket upon completion of 12 months of continuous service

- Comprehensive medical insurance

- Emergency evacuation support

Role Details:

- Role: Head of Plant & Production

- Industry Type: Pulp & Paper / Paper Recycling / Packaging

- Department: Production, Manufacturing & Engineering

- Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

- Role Category: Plant Operations & Manufacturing Leadership