General Manager- Engineering and Projects

About

Olam Agri supplies food, feed and fibre to meet rising demand and a shift to protein‑based diets, particularly in Asian and African countries. Headquartered in Singapore and present on all continents, our value chains include farming, processing, and distribution operations, as well as a sourcing network of an estimated 2.5 million farmers. Our teams have built leadership positions in many Olam Agri businesses, including rice, flour, animal feed, sesame, cotton, wood, and more. As a purpose‑driven company, we aim to contribute positively to the prosperity and well‑being of people along our supply chains, the protection and regeneration of our natural resource base, and the fight against climate change.

Product Information

Grains is one of the six prioritized platforms in Olam. The Grains business consists of four verticals: Wheat Milling (in sub‑Saharan Africa), Origination & Trading (origination in the Black Sea and Latin America, destination in the Middle East & North Africa, prop trading in wheat/corn/soy), Animal Feeds & Proteins (starting in Nigeria, with plans to expand to 4‑5 countries in Africa, Asia & MENA), and Ocean Freight (vessel charter, prop trading). Our manufacturing facilities in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Senegal help these countries reduce import costs of refined wheat. With an unrelenting focus on food safety, innovation and cost efficiencies, we produce a range of quality flours for bread, baguettes, pasta noodles, biscuits, semolina, and confectionery.

Job Description

• Must have led the engineering function for a multi‑site operation (minimum 3 plants) or a large single‑site complex.
• Develop and apply comprehensive maintenance best practices for a large wheat milling operation exceeding 1500 MTD across multiple facilities; having expertise in pasta assets is an additional benefit.
• Demonstrated capability in project management, including execution of brown‑field & green‑field projects.
• Ensure smooth and efficient utilities operations across all plants.
• Oversee R&M budget preparation and control.
• Drive cost‑efficiency improvement initiatives, including:
  • OEE enhancement
  • Power/steam utility cost reduction
  • Maintenance optimisation programs
• Extensive and demonstrated expertise in spare management within wheat milling engineering.
• Extensive hands‑on exposure to Buhler, Ugur & Alapala mills.
• Deep understanding of end‑to‑end flour milling operations, including process optimisation.
• Strong expertise in reliability engineering.
• Experience in capex planning, budgeting, and driving cost‑control initiatives.
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams, drive performance, and ensure operational excellence.

Key Deliverables

• Lead large maintenance team
• 14 + direct employees
• 90 + indirect personnel
• Manage spares inventory & control for an efficient operation
• Design and implement an efficient manning structure for the engineering function across sites
• Manage business continuity & EBITIDA capex < 1.5 % of Gross Book Value (GBV)
• Responsible for repair & maintenance spends as per budget plan

Level / Reporting Team

• Reports directly to VP‑Engineering & MATS head
• Core function as the GM – Engineering Manager for the TCA plant
• Receives direct reports from engineering leads & team at plants

Key Performance Highlights

• Effective maintenance strategy for the plants and operations within the BU
• Capex and Opex budgeting and implementation adherence
• Lead design, planning and implementation of expansion projects within timeframe and cost
• Lead cost‑saving ideation and initiative implementation to deliver cost‑efficient maintenance programs

Strength and Leadership Competency

• Coordinates multiple teams to deliver key business priorities
• Manages internal and external stakeholders effectively
• Brings strong technical expertise in wheat milling and pasta operations
• Communicates and collaborates cross‑functionally to drive results
• Leads complex projects and ensures smooth post‑project integration

Requirements

• Minimum bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, QEHS, HACCP‑related certification
• Relevant certifications for current practices in plant management/maintenance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work with a diverse workforce
• 15 + years of experience in handling maintenance, utilities and projects in several roles as mechanical/electrical engineer and project‑related management

Equal Opportunity

Olam is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nationality, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.