Job Purpose
This pivotal role oversees all facets of seed processing and the efficient operation of the processing plant. The objective is to meet and exceed production volume and quality targets by ensuring machinery and equipment perform optimally, managing raw seed warehousing, and procuring necessary consumables. The position holder will uphold seed availability, profitability, and stringent quality standards, while also implementing and monitoring site maintenance, capital projects, and equipment process controls. A key responsibility involves the coordinated implementation and sustained success of the onePSS (one Process Supply System) at the site, in close partnership with the Site Leadership Team. This role is crucial for the effective utilization of human resources, equipment, and materials, alongside the proactive identification and mitigation of operational and other risks. Adherence to all legal procedures and policies, including those pertaining to HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) and ISO 45001, as well as mechanical and electrical regulations, is paramount. The Planning and Operations Manager is ultimately accountable for the plant operations mission within Malawi.
Compliance with all requisite legal procedures and policies, including those related to HSE – ISO45001, and mechanical and electrical standards, is mandatory.
The Planning and Operations Manager bears full accountability for the mission of plant operations in Malawi.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
- Foster a culture of proactive safety awareness among all employees, contractors, and visitors.
- Champion HSE and Quality operational advancements, including metric tracking and the implementation of best practices across teams and peer groups.
- Achieve end-to-end operational efficiency through meticulous planning and organization of plant operations, encompassing offloading, storage, raw product preservation, sorting, conditioning, packaging, and re-bagging.
- In collaboration with the Site Lead, Warehousing teams, and Scheduler, facilitate a seamless transition and product flow from the field through all plant processing stages to the final warehouse, ensuring timely fulfillment of budgeted sales volumes.
- Maintain precise inventory control and management for all packaging materials, labels, and treatment chemicals.
- Oversee the Quality Management System within Plant Operations and meticulously maintain operational records as mandated by ISO 9001:2015, with a steadfast focus on continuous improvement.
- Uphold operational and site records according to Bayer's Quality Management Systems, prioritizing ongoing enhancements.
- Manage budget adherence and minimize the cost of goods while ensuring supply reliability, quality, and prompt market availability/seed supply objectives.
- Take ownership of consumable planning, procurement, and stock level control.
- Direct facility personnel to ensure excellence in plant maintenance (preventative, shutdown, and corrective) and uphold site housekeeping standards (5S).
- Guarantee that all factory equipment, including mobile units, is calibrated, serviced, and operated in strict compliance with local legislation.
- Define and evaluate goals, identify training needs, and conduct performance reviews for Seed Technicians and other direct reports.
- Lead plant operations using lean production principles, supporting the deployment of advanced manufacturing and lean processes like onePSS and Visual Management in processing, raw warehousing, and asset care to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Contribute to Supply chain vision and value creation by leveraging advanced technologies, including visual plant insights, data analytics, Master Data maintenance, and SAP seed Process order creation, confirmation, and completion (Tecoing).
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions) culture to drive cost savings and enhance Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
- Collaborate with country functional leads on general management matters to achieve cross-functional business objectives, including team engagement, risk management and compliance, financial efficiency, asset management, and external relations.
- Plan and execute the capital expenditure plan for plant operations, aligning with the established long-range strategic plan.
Experience, Skills, and Qualifications
- Possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Agricultural Sciences.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in plant operations, including 4 years in a hands-on supervisory capacity within an agricultural produce processing facility or a comparable environment.
- Demonstrate strong people management capabilities.
- Exhibit robust analytical skills, a disciplined approach, and a commitment to operational excellence.
- Capacity to work autonomously with minimal supervision, maintain a results-driven focus, and possess the drive to establish clear directions and make timely decisions.
- Showcase exceptional teamwork skills, characterized by flexibility to collaborate across diverse areas and positively influence stakeholders.
- Ability to adeptly solve complex challenges and lead with innovative and effective solutions.
- Possess excellent organizational skills, a results-oriented mindset, and adaptability to evolving business landscapes.
- Strong proficiency in both written and oral communication; fluency in Chichewa would be a significant asset.
Advertising Period: 05 June – 18 June 2026
Employment Type: Permanent
Position Grade: VS1.2
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Science for a better Life
Bayer is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all individuals, irrespective of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, union membership, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to ensuring fair treatment for all applicants and preventing discrimination.
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we strive to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Should you require any assistance during the job application or interview process, please contact us at ssa.recruitment@bayer.com.
Location:
Kenya: Nairobi || Cote d'Ivoire: Abengourou, Abidjan, Daloa, Divo, Korhogo, Other, San Pedro, Yamoussoukro || Malawi: Lilongwe, Malawi || Mozambique: Maputo, Mozambique || Nigeria: Abudja, Lagos || South Africa: Eastern Cape (East London, Eastern Cape, Knysna, Plettenburg Bay, Port Elizabeth), Free State (Bloemfontein, Bultfontein, Free State, Hoopstad, Kroonstad, Rietz), Gauteng (Gauteng, Germiston, Midrand, Nigel, Petit), Kwazulu/Natal (Durban, Kwazulu/Natal, Pietermaritzburg), Limpopo (Groblersdal, Limpopo), Mpumalanga (Ermelo, Malelane, Middelburg, Mpumalanga, Standerton), North West (Brits, Lichtenburg, North West, Potchefstroom), Northern Cape (Northern Cape), Western Cape (Cape Town, Paarl, Western Cape) || Zambia: Chimoio, Chokwe, Kabwe, Lusaka, Mazabuka, Mkushi, Zambia || Zimbabwe: Harare, Zimbabwe
Division:
Crop Science
Reference Code:
869575
Bayer values diversity and encourages applications from all individuals, regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, union membership, religion, family status, and pregnancy. We are committed to ensuring fair treatment and avoiding discrimination for all applicants.