Plant Operations Manager

About Us

As a leading provider of high-quality food and beverage ingredients, we work with farming communities across the globe to grow, source and produce ingredients that are good for consumers, farmers, and the world around us.  We supply household food brands and manufacturers worldwide with cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices ingredients which are often grown on our own farms and estates and sourced from hundreds of thousands of farmers across ~50 countries. Along with our diverse manufacturing and innovation capabilities, this means we can provide ingredients for a range of products, from a plant-based latte mix to an almond based snack bar or a dairy-free ice cream.  Making a positive impact on people and planet is a core component of our Purpose, to be the change for good food and a healthy future. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable, and transparent supply. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real. 

Product Information

Spices

ofi is the world’s leading producer of dried garlic and onions, and a global leader in chiles, pepper, and tropical spices. Our extensive network and presence in origin markets ensure that our spice blends and solutions are sourced from some of the finest raw ingredients year-round. We oversee growing practices and operate world-class manufacturing facilities, working directly and transparently with farmer-partners to ensure high-quality, sustainable spice solutions and reliable supply. As one of the largest global suppliers of spices and herbs, we source from all primary growing regions, offering a wide range of products including onion, garlic, chiles, pepper, parsley, and tropical spices. Our spices enhance recipes with superior provenance, taste, quality, color, and texture. Grown responsibly with our farmer partners, our spice ingredients form the foundation of flavors that delight consumers and ensure the future of our global supply chain. ofi offers a diverse portfolio of spices, herbs, and sauces, including organic options.

Job Purpose

The Plant Operations Manager will lead end-to-end operations across three manufacturing sites (two large plants and one small plant), ensuring safe operations, achievement of production targets, high standards of quality and food safety, cost efficiency, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Multi-Site Operational Management

• Ensure high standards of health and safety are implemented across all facilities.

• Lead day-to-day operations across three plants (2 large + 1 small).
• Ensure production plans are executed in line with business targets (volume, yield, quality and service levels).
• Drive adherence to ofi operational standards across all sites.

2. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with EHS standards, local regulations, and ofi policies.
• Promote a strong safety culture across all plants (zero harm mindset).

• Lead risk assessments and ensure timely closure of safety CAPAs.

3. Quality & Food Safety

• Ensure compliance with food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, BRC/ISO where applicable).
• Drive consistency in product quality for dehydrated products (onion, garlic, herbs).
• Support team in root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality deviations and customer complaints.

4. Cost & Resource Optimization

• Manage plant budgets and control manufacturing costs.
• Improve yield, productivity, and energy efficiency across drying, slicing, and processing operations.
• Identify and implement cost-saving and value engineering initiatives.

5. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Drive operational excellence initiatives aligned with plant maturity and business priorities.

• Drive improvements in:
• Throughput and cycle time
• Downtime reduction (MTBF / MTTR improvement)
• Waste reduction (raw material and process losses)
• Lead OpEx and CapEx projects, including process upgrades and automation.

6. Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Build and lead a high-performing multi-site team.
• Strengthen frontline and middle management capability.
• Drive a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Develop succession planning for critical roles.

7. Supply Chain & Inventory Coordination

• Ensure effective production planning and storage management.

• Maintain efficient inventory control (RM, SFG, PM & FG).

• Coordinate closely with sales, supply chain and logistics teams to ensure high OTIF performance.

8. Reporting & Performance Management

• Monitor and report KPIs:
• Production output & efficiency
• Yield and losses

• • Quality metrics (complaints, micro, foreign matter, etc.).

• Safety performance
• Present plant performance updates to senior management.
• Use data-driven insights to drive decision-making.

Experience & Qualifications

• 12–15 years of experience in food manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a senior plant leadership role.

• Strong experience in dehydration processes, preferably in onion, garlic, herbs, or the spices industry.

• Demonstrated experience managing multiple manufacturing sites.

• Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma / CI frameworks.

Leadership Characteristics

Operational & Strategic Thinking

• Strong process-oriented mindset, with the ability to design and optimize complex systems.

• Capable of solving complex operational challenges in processing environments.

Customer & Quality Focus

• Deep understanding of customer specifications and export quality requirements.
• Ensures processes and controls are aligned for safe, consistent delivery.

People Management

• Strong ability to build, coach, and develop teams.
• Understands strengths and development needs of team members.
• Promotes a culture of ownership and collaboration.

Stakeholder Management

• Effective in managing cross-functional and multi-location teams.
• Builds strong internal and external relationships.

Change Leadership

• Results-oriented with a strong focus on execution.

• Drives transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Communicates a clear vision and inspires teams to deliver results.

Values & Culture

• Demonstrates alignment with ofi values: Driven | Curious | Open | Care
• Commitment to developing internal talent and building future leaders

ofi is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to racial or ethnic origin, color, age, religion or belief, sex, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

Applicants are requested to complete all required steps in the application process including providing a resume/CV in order to be considered for open roles.