Operations Lead (Agriculture)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Operations Lead (Agriculture) will oversee the overall planning, development, and day-to-day operations of the Agro Business such as Coconut Oil Mill. This includes active participation during the pre-development stage, such as facility design input, equipment selection, and staffing requirements. Once operational, the role will focus on production efficiency, quality assurance, cost control, regulatory compliance, and personnel management to ensure the plant meets both operational and commercial goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Pre-Development and Planning
   • Collaborate with project management and engineering teams on facility layout, design considerations, and production flow of the coconut oil mill.
   • Participate in the selection and procurement of machinery, tools, and materials based on production needs and industry standards.
   • Provide input on manpower planning, job roles, and recruitment for technical and operations staff.
   • Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols prior to operational launch.
   • Coordinate with contractors and consultants during site development to ensure operational readiness.
2. Plant Operations Management
   • Plan, coordinate, and monitor the daily operations of the coconut oil mill to ensure smooth, cost-effective, and timely production.
   • Oversee all stages of the coconut oil extraction and refining process, ensuring optimal throughput and equipment utilization.
   • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and take corrective actions to meet production goals.
3. Process Optimization & Efficiency
   • Identify and implement process improvements to increase yield, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
   • Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and promote continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing or 5S.
4. Quality and Compliance
   • Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to maintain product standards in accordance with local and international food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMP, ISO).
   • Ensure the plant adheres to environmental and regulatory standards, including proper waste management and sustainability initiatives.
5. Maintenance and Equipment Management
   • Work with the Maintenance Department to schedule preventive maintenance, troubleshoot machinery issues, and minimize downtime.
   • Ensure all plant equipment is operating safely and efficiently.
6. Staff Management and Development
   • Lead, supervise, and mentor plant staff including production supervisors, operators, and support personnel.
   • Monitor workforce performance, address issues, and ensure adequate training and development programs are in place.
7. Inventory and Supply Chain Coordination
   • Coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure adequate raw material supply (e.g., copra or whole coconut), storage, and dispatch of finished goods.
   • Monitor inventory levels, stock movement, and warehouse operations to minimize spoilage and ensure accurate reporting.
8. Budgeting and Cost Control
   • Assist in the preparation of operational budgets and manage costs effectively to ensure profitability.
   • Track expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure efficient resource utilization.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields: Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Business Management (with technical experience)
• A Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Industrial Management is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in plant operations, manufacturing, or agro-processing (preferably in coconut oil or similar industries).
• At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience in process improvement, supply chain coordination, and cross-functional team management is essential.
• Willingness to be assigned on-site and work extended hours, including weekends, if required by operations.
• Physically fit to handle the demands of plant visits and fieldwork.