Production Manager- Cassava based Ethanol Operations

The Future Edge is seeking a Production Manager for its cassava-based ethanol operations in Ologbo, Edo state, Nigeria. The role involves overseeing the entire production process, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance. Responsibilities include managing feedstock intake, optimizing production stages, monitoring KPIs, ensuring quality and safety standards, and leading a team of operators. The position requires strong leadership and operational management skills.
Job Title: Production Manager – Cassava‑Based Ethanol Operations

Role Purpose

Location: Ologbo, Edo state.

Job Summary:

The Production Manager is responsible for end‑to‑end operational leadership of a cassava‑based ethanol production facility. The role ensures safe, efficient, and cost‑effective production by managing feedstock intake, fermentation, distillation, utilities, quality, and people performance to consistently achieve production, quality, and compliance targets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Overall Plant Operations

· Provide day‑to‑day leadership and control of the entire ethanol production process, from cassava feedstock handling through fermentation, distillation, and final product output.

· Ensure stable plant operations, optimal throughput, and minimal unplanned downtime.

2. Feedstock Management

· Ensure continuous availability and quality of cassava feedstock in line with production requirements.

· Collaborate closely with procurement, logistics, and suppliers to plan timely sourcing and mitigate supply risks.

· Monitor feedstock quality parameters and adjust process inputs to maintain optimal conversion efficiency.

3. Process Operations & Optimization

· Oversee and continuously improve the core production stages:

o Milling and mash preparation

o Fermentation

o Distillation and dehydration

· Drive process control discipline to maximise ethanol yield, conversion efficiency, and product consistency.

· Identify process losses, bottlenecks, and variability, and implement corrective and preventive actions.

4. Chemical & Consumables Management

· Monitor usage of process chemicals, enzymes, yeast, and additives to ensure optimal dosing and cost efficiency.

· Coordinate with procurement to maintain adequate inventory levels and avoid production interruptions.

5. Utilities & By‑Product Operations

· Ensure safe and effective operation of supporting systems, including:

o CO₂ recovery systems

o Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)

o Water Treatment Plant (WTP)

o Steam, power, and compressed air systems

· Ensure by‑products and waste streams comply with environmental and regulatory requirements.

6. Production Planning, KPIs & Continuous Improvement

· Develop and execute production plans aligned with demand forecasts and plant capacity.

· Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including:

o Yield and conversion efficiency

o Throughput and capacity utilisation

o Process losses and downtime

o Energy and water efficiency

· Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve operating costs.

7. Quality, Safety & Compliance

· Ensure compliance with quality standards, safety procedures, and environmental regulations.

· Enforce adherence to SOPs, process controls, and statutory requirements.

· Lead and support audits, inspections, and corrective action programmes.

8. Team Leadership & Workforce Development

· Lead, coach, and supervise production operators, shift supervisors, and supporting staff.

· Build a performance‑driven culture focused on safety, accountability, and operational excellence.

· Ensure appropriate training, skill development, and succession planning within the team.

9. Maintenance Coordination

· Work closely with maintenance and engineering teams to ensure equipment reliability and asset integrity.

· Plan and coordinate preventive maintenance and shutdown activities to minimise disruptions.

· Provide operational input into maintenance prioritisation and root cause analysis of equipment failures.

10. Plant Efficiency & Performance Excellence

· Drive high fermentation efficiency by optimising feedstock conversion and minimising process variability.

· Ensure consistent distillation performance to meet ethanol quality and yield specifications.

· Champion operational excellence practices across the plant.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge

· Strong knowledge of ethanol production processes, particularly cassava or starch‑based feedstocks.

· Understanding of fermentation science, distillation operations, and process chemistry.

· Knowledge of utilities systems (steam, water, ETP/WTP, CO₂ recovery).

· Familiarity with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements in process manufacturing.

· Working knowledge of production planning, quality systems, and operational KPIs.

Skills

· Proven operations and production management skills in a continuous or batch processing environment.

· Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to optimise complex processes.

· Effective leadership, communication, and people management skills.

· Ability to interpret process data, trends, and reports to drive performance improvement.

· Strong coordination skills across production, maintenance, procurement, and quality functions.

Abilities

· Ability to lead teams in a high‑intensity, industrial operating environment.

· Ability to make timely, sound operational decisions under production pressure.

· Ability to drive continuous improvement and enforce process discipline.

· Ability to balance safety, quality, cost, and output objectives simultaneously.

· Ability to work hands‑on while maintaining a clear operational and strategic overview.

Qualifications & Experience (Recommended)

· Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.

· Minimum 7–10 years experience in ethanol, biofuels, starch processing, distillation, or related process industries.

· Prior experience managing production teams and shift operations in a manufacturing plant.

· Exposure to lean manufacturing, TPM, or continuous improvement frameworks is an advantage.

Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

Do you have prior/recent experience in ethanol, biofuels, starch processing, distillation processes?Do you have a strong knowledge of ethanol production processes, particularly cassava or starch‑based feedstocks?Do you have strong knowledge of utilities systems (steam, water, ETP/WTP, CO₂ recovery)? Do you have prior experience managing production teams and shift operations in a manufacturing plant?Total years of experience as a Production Manager?Current monthly net salary?Expected monthly net salary?Date of birth?Gender?Where do you currently reside?Please note that this position is located in Ologbo, Edo state. Are you open to relocate to the stated located?Experience:

Production Planning: 7 years (Required)Production Manager: 7 years (Required)Cassava based Ethanol Production: 5 years (Required)Work Location: In person