We are a fast-growing international agro-industrial group and a major player in the agricultural commodity processing sector. As part of optimizing our existing processing operations and expanding our byproduct valorization capabilities—including the ongoing construction and commissioning of a Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) extraction line—we are seeking an experienced, high-performing Cashew Processing Plant Manager (M/F) who is fully bilingual in French and English.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will be responsible for overall site operations, operational performance, workplace safety, and strategic development of the processing plant.
• Production & Project Management:
o Oversee end-to-end kernel processing operations (shelling, peeling, grading, color sorting, and packaging) to consistently meet production volume and yield targets.
o Lead the construction, equipment installation, dry testing, commissioning, and ramp-up of the new CNSL extraction/processing line, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and specialized safety standards for oil extraction/refining are strictly met.
• Quality, EHS & Compliance:
o Ensure full compliance with international food safety standards (BRC, IFS, HACCP, ISO 22000).
o Implement rigorous Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies across all facilities, with particular focus on the CNSL unit (managing chemical risks, heat hazards, and industrial effluent treatment).
• Leadership & People Management:
o Lead, mentor, and empower cross-functional teams across production, mechanical/process maintenance, quality assurance, EHS, HR, and supply chain.
o Drive change management and train technical staff on new CNSL extraction technologies and operating protocols.
• Cost Control & Lean Manufacturing:
o Develop and manage the annual plant operating budget, control unit production costs, and maximize kernel yields and shell/CNSL byproduct value.
o Implement continuous improvement initiatives (Lean/Six Sigma) to boost plant energy efficiency and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Supply Chain & Logistics:
o Oversee material flow and inventory management (raw cashew nuts, finished kernels, crude/refined CNSL oil, and expeller cake) in coordination with procurement and logistics units.
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
• Degree: Engineering Degree or Master's Degree in Food Technology, Industrial Engineering, Chemical/Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.
• Experience: 10+ years of proven experience in plant management or senior production management within the agro-industrial sector.
• Direct experience in cashew nut processing and hands-on exposure to oil extraction / biomass valorization processes (CNSL) or greenfield/brownfield industrial expansion projects is strongly preferred.
Technical & Language Skills
• Bilingual Proficiency: Fully fluent in both English and French (written and spoken).
• Solid understanding of mechanical/thermal processing equipment and CNSL expulsion/extraction safety protocols.
• Proficiency in food safety management systems, industrial EHS regulations, and ERP/project management software.
Key Competencies
• Field-oriented leader with a robust safety culture and strong result orientation.
• Proven industrial project management skills (Capex management, scheduling, vendor oversight).
• Ability to inspire and lead multicultural teams in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
Compensation & Benefits
• Location: Ivory coast
• Contract Type: Full-time / Permanent (CDI)
• Package: Highly attractive salary package tailored to experience (Fixed Salary + Project/Performance Bonus + Group Benefits).
Send your CV to recrutement@southlandglobal.africa no later than November 13, 2026