Who are we: A leading manufacturing business in Africa, driving innovation and excellence in food production.Who are we looking for: We are seeking a Factory Manager with experience in food manufacturing, specifically in Africa. The ideal candidate will have expertise in soya processing and a deep understanding of managing complex production operations.What will you do: Oversee the smooth operation of food production, ensuring effective planning, troubleshooting, and adherence to KPIs.Optimise production processes while maintaining quality, food safety, and occupational health and safety standards.Monitor raw material and packaging usage, ensuring minimal waste through root cause analysis and corrective actions.Manage equipment, tools, and inventory for optimal utilization and maintenance.Enhance process capabilities through continuous improvement and standardization.Develop and implement GMP, HACCP, and food safety systems to mitigate physical, chemical, and biological hazards.Lead, train, and develop the team to ensure operational excellence.Troubleshoot and maintain critical machinery, including mixers, extruders, hammer mills, dryers, and packaging equipment.Conduct SWOT analysis for processes and teams to drive sustainable growth.Oversee compliance with legal, regulatory, and quality standards, ensuring readiness for government audits.Manage product dispatch and ensure seamless delivery.Conduct market visits to review customer quality assurance (CQA) reports and assess market demands.What do you need: Proven experience in food manufacturing, with a deep understanding of the "Farm to Fork" value chain.Expertise in mixing, extrusion, hammer mills, dryers, and packaging machinery troubleshooting.Strong knowledge of food recipes, raw materials, and packaging processes.Demonstrated ability in root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).Experience with cost and budget management for sustainable growth.Knowledge of product nutritional regulations, quality standards, and shelf-life optimization.Familiarity with legal compliance and regulatory frameworks in food manufacturing.Skills in project management, procurement, installation, and commissioning.Strong negotiation skills to manage suppliers and address consumer non-compliance.