About This Role
This is a hands-on operational leadership role at one of Ethiopia’s established FMCG manufacturers. You will be the technical backbone of the saponification unit—the chemical heart of soap production—responsible for keeping production running while continuously improving how it runs. It suits an engineer who enjoys being on the factory floor, solving real-time process problems, and bridging the gap between daily output targets and long-term efficiency gains.
What the Requirements Say About This Role
The 5-8 year seniority range signals that this is not a first-job role but one expecting proven troubleshooting judgment. They are looking for someone who has lived through production disruptions and knows how to stabilize processes under pressure. The emphasis on standardization and trend analysis suggests they want an engineer who thinks systematically—not just someone who reacts to breakdowns but who builds systems that prevent them.
How to Approach This Application
When applying, lead with specific examples of process improvements you have implemented—quantify the capacity gains or loss reductions you achieved. The company likely prioritizes candidates who can demonstrate familiarity with chemical process control and who understand the urgency of raw material coordination in a production environment. Show that you can step into the Production Manager's shoes when needed, as that delegation expectation is a clear sign they are grooming this role for greater responsibility.
Who This Role Suits
This role is ideal for a chemical or industrial engineer with significant plant-floor experience who thrives on operational ownership rather than desk-based work. Given the niche technical nature and seniority level, competition will be moderate but qualified candidates will be scarce—so a well-targeted application with concrete achievements will stand out.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Production Management - Plan and execute daily production activities in line with the approved production plan. -
- Ensure achievement of production volume, efficiency, and utilization targets. - Coordinate raw material availability
- With Supply Chain and Warehouse teams. - Ensure uninterrupted operation of the saponification unit. - Act on behalf of
- The Production Manager during his/her absence when delegated.
- Process Engineering & Optimization - Monitor and optimize all process parameters to maximize productivity and
- Product quality. - Analyze process trends and implement improvements to increase capacity and reduce losses. -
- Standardize operating parameters and process control methods. - Lead process troubleshooting and corrective actions
- For operational issues. - Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).3. Quality Management - Ensure soap base meets all quality specifications. - Work closely with the Quality team to
- Investigate deviations and implement corrective actions. - Drive First Time Right (FTR) performance. - Reduce
- process variation through data-driven process control.
- Asset Reliability & Maintenance - Coordinate with the Maintenance team to improve equipment reliability. -
- Monitor equipment performance and downtime. - Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for major equipment failures. -
- Ensure execution of preventive and predictive maintenance plans. - Support commissioning of new equipment and
- process modifications.
- Team Leadership - Supervise and coach Process Operators and Shift Leaders. - Develop operators through
- Structured training and competency assessments. - Monitor workforce performance and ensure compliance with SOPs.
- Foster teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) - Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and operational
- Procedures. - Lead safety observations, risk assessments, and incident investigations. - Ensure proper handling of
- Chemicals, steam, and utilities. - Promote a strong safety culture and compliance with company HSE standards.
- Cost & Material Management - Monitor raw material consumption against standards. - Reduce process waste and
- Improve material yield. - Optimize utility consumption, including steam, water, electricity, and compressed air. -
- Support inventory management and material reconciliation.
- Continuous Improvement - Lead Lean Manufacturing and TPM initiatives within the unit. - Identify opportunities to
- Improve productivity, quality, safety, and cost. - Implement corrective and preventive actions from RCA findings. -
- Drive process automation and digitalization initiatives where applicable.
- Reporting & Performance Management - Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly production performance reports. -
- Monitor KPIs and communicate performance to management. - Maintain production records and SAP transactions. -
- Present improvement initiatives and operational performance during management reviews.
Qualifications
- Education - Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related
- Engineering discipline. - Master's Degree is an added advantage.
- Experience - Minimum 5 years of experience in soap, detergent, edible oil, chemical, or FMCG manufacturing. -
- Minimum 2 years in a process engineering or production leadership role. - Experience in continuous saponification
How To Apply
Apply Through Ethiojobs: Saponification Unit Process Engineer position or Fill out the form: https://forms.gle/r172GxB2MEaJabWYA
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