Overview
The Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of production, maintenance, warehouse, quality assurance / quality control (QA / QC), laboratory, and R&D activities. This role ensures operations run efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining high standards of product quality and safety. The Operations Lead is also accountable for ensuring full compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and internal standards. This role requires close collaboration with the Supply Chain and Nutrition departments to ensure alignment across functions, optimize production performance, and support product development and delivery.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the full project lifecycle for operational initiatives, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and tracking progress toward successful completion.
- Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures that support organizational goals and drive efficiency across all departments.
- Oversee and ensure optimal performance across all operational functions, including production, maintenance, warehouse, QA / QC, laboratory, and R&D.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, eliminate waste, and optimize resource utilization.
- Evaluate and recommend investments in technology, infrastructure, and equipment to improve operational efficiency and production capacity.
- Ensure feed products are produced to the highest standards of quality, safety, consistency, and cost-effectiveness.
- Ensure full compliance with local regulations, environmental and safety laws, and internal business policies.
- Ensure effective warehouse and inventory management, including regular stock tallying, inventory accuracy, and alignment with production needs.
- Monitor and manage Manufacturing Cost of Sales (MCOS) and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) to ensure alignment with budget targets and profitability goals.
- Establish and maintain a robust preventive maintenance plan to ensure optimal performance of all equipment and minimize downtime.
- Work closely with the Supply Chain and Nutrition teams to align raw material planning, production schedules, and new product development.
- Collaborate with the Commercial team to understand customer needs and ensure production output aligns with market demand and forecasts.
- Lead initiatives for new product development and continuous improvement of existing products in partnership with R&D and Nutrition teams.
- Oversee the creation, implementation, and enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all operational departments.
- Prepare and manage annual operating budgets, ensuring alignment with business targets and monitoring financial performance against budgeted KPIs.
- Lead and support manpower planning and recruitment activities in coordination with HR to ensure the right talent is onboarded to meet operational needs.
- Develop and implement staff development programs to enhance technical capabilities, leadership skills, and employee engagement.
- Maintain a positive work environment and implement retention strategies to reduce staff attrition and build a stable, motivated workforce.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the operations team.
- Monitor operational KPIs, analyze performance trends, and prepare regular reports for senior management.
- Ensure timely delivery of operational outputs to meet business timelines and customer expectations.
Qualifications
A minimum of 10 years of relevant management experience in operations, preferably in the feed, food, aquaculture, or manufacturing industries.Tertiary qualifications in Manufacturing, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.Relevant certifications in the feed, food, or aquaculture industry from recognized institutions or industry leaders are an added advantage.Proficient in both written and spoken English.Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), operational databases, and other relevant software.Demonstrates high levels of responsibility, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential matters.Proactive, with a strong sense of initiative, a positive attitude, and the ability to adapt to changing demands.Demonstrated strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a proven track record in improving operational performance.Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate, develop, and lead cross-functional teams.Effective communicator with strong stakeholder engagement capabilities across multiple departments and organizational levels.Results-driven and committed to achieving operational excellence, efficiency, and quality standards.Proven ability to work under pressure and manage complex, fast-paced projects with tight timelines.Adaptable and experienced in working within multicultural, cross-border, and matrixed environments.Note : This description reflects the current responsibilities and qualifications for the Operations Lead role and may be subject to change to meet business needs.
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