Job Description

Our partners, a leading holding company in the steel industry, it manages multiple subsidiaries across Africa specializing in manufacturing, processing, and distribution. They are currently hiring a Head of Operations in Ghana, who will lead and oversee all operational functions within the plant, including scrap processing and logistics, production, plant maintenance, projects, Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), and stores management. The role is responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring financial performance, optimizing processes, developing high-performing teams, and maintaining strong governance, compliance, risk management, and internal control practices. Working closely with the General Manager and senior leadership team, the Head of Operations will execute business strategies, achieve operational targets, and ensure sustainable growth in alignment with organizational objectives and statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of operational strategies, annual business plans, and budgets aligned with organizational objectives.
• Present operational plans, growth initiatives, budgets, and key challenges to senior management and incorporate feedback into final business plans.
• Translate organizational strategies into departmental objectives, performance targets, and actionable roadmaps.
• Monitor operational performance, review progress against targets, and implement corrective actions when required.
• Lead management review meetings with department heads to evaluate performance, address challenges, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Oversee production, scrap processing, logistics, procurement, maintenance, projects, HSE, and stores functions to ensure operational efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to production plans, procurement strategies, supply chain requirements, and delivery commitments.
• Monitor raw material availability, production capacity, inventory management, and operational priorities.
• Support teams in resolving operational challenges and implementing effective solutions.
• Develop and implement supply chain strategies and operational practices aligned with industry standards.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders to improve service delivery and operational performance.
• Lead operational improvement projects focused on productivity, efficiency, cost reduction, and manufacturing excellence.
• Drive the implementation of organizational culture initiatives and promote employee engagement across operational teams.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop department heads and employees to enhance capabilities and achieve business objectives.
• Ensure effective workforce planning, resource allocation, recruitment needs, and employee development initiatives.
• Oversee performance management processes and ensure accountability across operational functions.
• Monitor operational financial performance, forecasting, and budgetary controls to achieve profitability objectives.
• Identify cost optimization opportunities and lead commercial negotiations to improve operational efficiency.
• Analyze existing processes and implement improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, profitability, and competitiveness.
• Drive the development and implementation of SOPs, operational standards, and best practices across the plant.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, industry standards, and governance frameworks.
• Manage operational risks and implement mitigation strategies in coordination with senior management.
• Promote a strong HSE culture and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Ensure continuous improvement initiatives, sustainability programs, and environmental objectives are achieved.
• Prepare and deliver accurate operational reports and performance updates to management on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent business/management qualification.
• Minimum 12+ years of experience in senior operational management roles within manufacturing, steel, heavy industry, or similar environments.
• Proven experience managing large-scale plant operations with responsibility for production, maintenance, supply chain, logistics, and HSE functions.
• Strong understanding of steel manufacturing processes, production operations, and industrial value chains.
• Knowledge of procurement, logistics, maintenance, finance, sales, and operational processes within manufacturing environments.
• Understanding of manufacturing industry trends, operational improvement methodologies, and latest industry standards.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and profitability improvement.
• Ability to develop and execute business strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Strong knowledge of operational excellence, process improvement, and change management practices.
• Understanding of African markets, economic trends, and manufacturing business environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and international environments.
• Proficiency in English and local language or willingness to learn.
• Strategic business mindset with strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Results-oriented with strong execution and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong people management, coaching, mentoring, and conflict resolution skills.

Location

• Ghana, Africa