Operations Director - Tanzania

SUMMARY:
We have partnered with a high-impact, purpose-driven business that is scaling an integrated biochar, CNSL and compost operation and they’re looking for a hands-on Operations Leader to take ownership of a flagship production site.

POSITION INFO:

We are seeking a hands-on, entrepreneurial Operations Director to lead the day-to-day operations of an integrated biochar, CNSL (cashew nut shell liquid), and compost production facility. This role owns production, maintenance, safety, budgeting, and technical troubleshooting for a multi-process industrial site. You will serve as the primary technical problem solver for all process and equipment issues, and play a central role in commissioning, ramp-up, and scaling of this factory and potentially future factories across Africa.

This is an on-site role suited to a practical, resilient, “builder” operator who thrives in complex, resource-constrained environments. You are strong in execution, result-oriented and a leader for teams under your management. The company offers competitive reward, with upside to become co-owner of the business based on performance.

Context

The company is a high-growth industrial venture building a greenfield cashew waste processing site in Tanzania. The leadership consists of international team of serial entrepreneurs, who are impact-driven with a strong focus on local job creation and scalable industrial development while removing carbon from the atmosphere.

This role directly influences both people and planet—improving agricultural value chains while deploying climate-positive technologies.

Key responsibilities

· Run daily plant operations across biochar (pyrolysis), CNSL (mechanical press), refining (reaction vessels) lines to meet volume, quality and cost targets.

· Lead technical troubleshooting on mechanical, process and basic electrical issues, working closely with operators and technicians.

· Implement and maintain SOPs, preventive maintenance plans and spares management.

· Ensure strong HSSE performance and compliance with local regulations and internal standards.

· Own the site budgeting, cost control and monthly performance reporting supported by back-office.

· Build, manage and develop a site team across production, maintenance and basic admin.

· Coordinate inbound feedstock and outbound products with procurement and logistical teams.

· Lead commissioning, ramp-up and continuous improvement projects on site.

Candidate profile

· Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Process, Industrial or similar Engineering.

· 5–15 years in industrial operations, including at least 3 years in a supervisory role.

· Experience in process industries such as biomass, agro-processing, oil extraction, chemicals, cement or similar.

· Demonstrated responsibility for budgets or a cost center.

· Strong hands-on engineering and troubleshooting capability, comfortable on the shop floor.

· Good leadership and communication skills, able to manage mixed-skilled teams.

· Fluent English; Swahili or willingness to learn is an advantage.