The posting
ROLE PURPOSE:
The Plant Manager / Operations Manager is the engine room leader of FON Packaging Ventures. This role carries full accountability for the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of the packaging plant — from raw material intake through to finished goods dispatch. The role demands a rare combination: the technical command to understand and oversee corrugated carton manufacturing machinery, the commercial acumen to engage clients and report on financial performance, and the leadership capability to build and sustain a disciplined, high-output production team. As FON Packaging enters a period of deliberate operational revamping and capacity expansion, the Plant Manager will be a critical partner to the General Manager in translating strategic priorities into daily operational reality. This is not a maintenance role — it is a growth role, and the right candidate will be someone who builds systems, elevates team performance, and drives continuous improvement
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Production Oversight & Planning
- Own the full production cycle — planning, scheduling, execution, and quality assurance for all carton manufacturing output.
- Translate the order register into a structured daily and weekly production schedule, ensuring on-time delivery performance
- Monitor production output against targets and implement corrective measures when throughput falls below plan.
- Oversee raw material consumption, waste reduction, and yield optimization across all product lines. – Ensure production tonnage data is accurately captured and reported in the monthly performance report. – Drive continuous
Plant Engineering & Maintenance
- Apply mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge to diagnose, manage, and resolve equipment faults proactively.
- Own the preventive maintenance schedule for all plant machinery — ensuring zero unplanned downtime through disciplined maintenance planning. – Liaise with machine vendors and maintenance contractors for scheduled servicing, spare parts procurement, and technical support.
- Ensure all machinery is operated safely and in compliance with manufacturer specifications and local workplace safety requirements.
- Lead root-cause analysis for recurring equipment issues and implement durable technical solutions
Team Leadership & People Management
- Lead, develop, and hold accountable the full production team — including machine operators, assistants, and logistics personnel.
- Set clear daily, weekly, and monthly performance targets for each team member and conduct regular performance reviews.
- Build a culture of discipline, quality consciousness, and ownership on the production floor.
- Identify skill gaps and coordinate training interventions to build a technically capable and self-sufficient team.
- Handle people issues — attendance, discipline, conflict — with professionalism and in line with company policy.
Client Relationship Management
- Serve as the technical point of contact for key clients on production-related matters — including specifications, quality standards, lead times, and delivery planning.
- Attend client meetings alongside the General Manager or independently when technical production expertise is required.
- Manage client quality expectations proactively — no client should receive a substandard product or a surprise delivery failure.
- Provide production status updates to the Administrator and Client Account Managers to ensure clients are always informed
Financial Reporting & Cost Control
- Own production cost reporting — tracking raw material costs, consumable usage, labour efficiency, and machine utilization.
- Contribute to the Monthly Performance Report with production data: tonnage, unit quantities, capacity utilization, and cost per unit.
- Identify and implement cost-saving measures in production without compromising output quality.
- Manage the plant's operational budget inputs and flag any cost overruns or inefficiencies to the General Manager immediately.
- Support procurement decisions for raw materials, packaging inputs, and plant consumables — balancing cost, quality, and lead time.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Maintain a safe working environment — enforce safety protocols, conduct regular safety audits, and ensure all team members are trained on safe operating procedures.
- Ensure the plant operates in compliance with all applicable Ghanaian regulatory standards.
- Maintain accurate records of incidents, near-misses, and corrective actions taken
Quality Assurance
- Establish and enforce quality control checkpoints at each stage of the production process.
- Investigate and resolve quality complaints from clients with root-cause analysis and documented corrective action.
- Ensure all outgoing products meet FON Packaging's quality standards and client specifications before dispatch.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Minimum Education
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
- A degree in Manufacturing Management or Operations Management combined with strong hands-on technical experience will be considered.
- Professional membership of an engineering or manufacturing body (e.g., Ghana Institution of Engineers) is an advantage
Experience Profile
- 5–10 years of progressive operations or plant management experience, ideally within the packaging, printing, or corrugated manufacturing sector.
- Demonstrable track record of improving plant productivity, reducing downtime, or driving measurable cost efficiencies.
- Experience working under a General Manager or MD in a medium-sized manufacturing operation is highly desirable.
- Prior exposure to raw material sourcing, supplier management, or production procurement is an added advantage.
Technical Skills
- Sound working knowledge of corrugated carton or flexible packaging manufacturing processes — or the proven ability to acquire this quickly.
- Proficiency in production planning and scheduling methodologies.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for production tracking, cost reporting, and performance data management.
WHAT FON PACKAGING VENTURES OFFERS
- A senior leadership position with full plant accountability within a 30+ year Ghanaian packaging institution.
- Direct reporting line to the General Manager — high visibility and direct influence on business direction.
- The opportunity to lead a plant revamping and capacity expansion programme — a career-defining mandate.
- Exposure to the wider FON Group ecosystem, including sister companies and the EON Investments portfolio.
- Competitive senior compensation package, reviewed annually against performance.
