Chief Operating Officer

Responsibilities:

Strategic & Operational Leadership:

• Lead the overall operations of the cocoa processing plant to achieve production, financial, and operational targets. 
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the company’s business objectives and growth plans. 
• Drive operational efficiency, productivity improvement, and continuous process optimization across all departments. 
• Oversee Plant Manager and ensure efficient end-to-end cocoa processing activities, including bean sourcing, roasting, grinding, pressing, powder production, packaging, storage, and distribution. 

Production & Plant Performance Management:

• Ensure efficient plant utilization, optimal production output, and minimal operational downtime. 
• Monitor operational KPIs, including production yield, capacity utilization, cost efficiency, waste reduction, and product quality performance. 
• Support implementation of best practices in manufacturing, maintenance, inventory management, and logistics operations. 

Financial & Commercial Oversight:

• Oversee operational budgeting, cost management, and financial performance of the plant. 
• Drive profitability through cost optimization, operational efficiency, and effective resource utilization. 
• Collaborate with finance and commercial teams on pricing, procurement strategy, export operations, and business expansion initiatives. 

Quality, Food Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, environmental, and occupational safety standards, including HACCP, ISO/FSSC standards, and regulatory requirements. 
• Oversee implementation of quality assurance and risk management systems across plant operations. 
• Ensure operational compliance with export and customer quality standards. 

Supply Chain & Stakeholder Management:

• Oversee procurement, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and export coordination activities. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, regulatory agencies, logistics providers, customers, and other key stakeholders. 
• Support strategic sourcing and sustainable cocoa supply initiatives. 

Leadership & Organizational Development:

• Provide leadership, direction, and performance management for plant management teams and departmental heads. 
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. 
• Support workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives. 

Reporting & Corporate Governance:

• Prepare operational and management reports for executive leadership and board review. 
• Ensure proper governance, operational controls, and compliance with company policies and procedures. 
• Lead operational audits, improvement initiatives, and strategic operational reviews.

Requirements:

• Master's or MBA in a relevant field.
• B.Sc in Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering 
• 10 years plus in cocoa/food processing or FMCG manufacturing
•  At least 5 years in a senior leadership or plant management role.
• Strong understanding of cocoa value chain processing equipment