Plant Director – Cement Manufacturing (Expatriate)

About the role

The leading international industrial group seeks an experienced expatriate Plant Director to lead its cement manufacturing operation in Ethiopia. Reporting to senior executive leadership, you will be responsible for the overall performance, safety and profitability of the plant.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and day‑to‑day leadership for all plant functions, including production, mining, maintenance, engineering, procurement, logistics and distribution.
• Achieve production, quality, cost and efficiency targets while ensuring optimal use of assets, energy and raw materials.
• Drive continuous‑improvement and industrial‑excellence programmes, monitor KPIs and benchmark performance against group standards.
• Align production planning with sales forecasts and market demand.
• Promote a strong HSE culture, ensure compliance with local regulations and international standards, and lead safety and environmental initiatives.
• Prepare and manage annual operating and capital‑expenditure budgets, control costs and monitor plant profitability.
• Lead, coach and develop a multicultural workforce, oversee succession planning, training and labour‑relations.
• Support a customer‑focused operational culture to meet delivery expectations.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Post‑graduate qualification such as an MBA is an advantage.
• Extensive senior‑level experience managing large cement or heavy‑industry plants, preferably in an expatriate setting.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive operational excellence.
• Strong knowledge of HSE standards, financial management and strategic planning.

Required skills