Operations Manager

PressCane Limited, a leading ethanol producer in Malawi, invites applications from qualified, experienced and results-driven professionals for the position of Operations Manager (OM). Based in Chikwawa, the OM will join the Executive Team, report to the Chief Executive Officer and lead the Company’s production, engineering, maintenance, utilities and environmental operations. The role is responsible for plant performance, production efficiency, cost competitiveness, regulatory compliance, sustainable growth and the operational integration of strategic projects.

Duties and responsibilities

• Lead integrated operations across the Distillery, Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), Biodigester, and CO plants.
• Drive production efficiency, operational excellence, cost optimisation and operational targets.
• Oversee engineering maintenance, asset reliability, energy management and utilities performance.
• Ensure effective effluent treatment, environmental compliance and sustainable resource utilisation.
• Lead operational budgeting, performance monitoring, risk management and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate operational readiness, commissioning and integration of strategic projects.
• Provide leadership, coaching and performance management to multidisciplinary operational teams.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, innovation and sustainability.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering or related discipline; postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• Minimum 10 years’ industrial experience, including 5 years in senior operations management.
• Proven leadership in continuous-process manufacturing, production optimisation and plant reliability.
• Strong commercial, financial, environmental and multidisciplinary management capabilities.
• Experience in ethanol, sugar, chemical processing or bioenergy industries is an advantage.

Applications

Qualified candidates should submit an application letter, detailed CV, and contact details of traceable referees to [email protected] no later than 15:00 hrs. on 18 November 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. PressCane Limited is an equal-opportunity employer.