Senior Operations Manager – Africa (Multiple Locations)

About the role

The Senior Operations Manager for Africa will lead end‑to‑end operations across several African markets, ensuring reliable supply, cost efficiency and consistent product quality. Based in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana or Tanzania, the role also supports regional improvement programmes spanning Africa and Asia.

Key responsibilities

• Manage heads of operations in each African market and enforce key directives across all terminals.
• Own the regional operating plan, translating business strategy into site‑level goals, budgets and KPIs.
• Control operational costs against the approved CRC budget.
• Coach and evaluate country/site leaders to drive performance, operational discipline and continuous improvement.
• Standardise operating procedures, escalation protocols and performance governance across markets.
• Oversee operations planning to align demand, supply and capacity.
• Lead operational‑excellence initiatives, including the Yara Productivity System (YPS) and OKR monitoring.
• Ensure raw‑material and packaging availability through robust forecasting and management.
• Maintain compliance with Yara’s TOPS and HESQ procedures, partner with procurement on contracts and cost optimisation, and monitor inbound logistics and customs clearance.
• Guarantee product specifications, regulatory compliance and audit readiness, harmonising quality standards across sites.
• Develop and own the Capital Value Process (CVP) for project prioritisation and execution.

Required profile

• Executive‑level experience (minimum 15 years) in multi‑country operations management.
• Proven track record in cost control, supply‑chain optimisation and safety, health, environment and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership skills with experience coaching senior site leaders.
• Ability to standardise processes and drive operational excellence across diverse markets.
• Experience managing capital projects and implementing productivity systems.

Required skills