Cashew Processing Plant Manager (M/F)

Job description

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

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:
• Quality, EHS & Compliance:
• Leadership & People Management:
• Cost Control & Lean Manufacturing:
• Supply Chain & Logistics:
• 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

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.