General Manager

About the role

The General Manager is responsible for the end‑to‑end operation, performance and profitability of the cottonseed processing facility, covering seed preparation, crushing, solvent extraction, refining, utilities, maintenance, quality assurance, safety and commercial optimisation. The role drives operational excellence, yield improvement, cost efficiency and sustainable growth while ensuring compliance with regulatory, quality and safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead all cottonseed oil‑mill operations, including extraction, refining, meal production, packaging and dispatch, while meeting production targets and improving yield, recovery and quality.
• Optimise key process parameters to maximise oil recovery, product quality and energy efficiency; lead troubleshooting, automation and plant upgrades.
• Maintain high equipment uptime through effective maintenance and asset management programmes.
• Own the mill P&L, drive profitability through yield enhancement, cost control, waste reduction and capacity optimisation, and support budgeting and performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with quality, food‑safety, HSE and regulatory standards and foster a strong safety culture.
• Lead and develop production, maintenance, quality and utility teams and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to optimise supply‑chain performance.

Required profile

• 15+ years of experience in edible oils, oilseed crushing, solvent extraction or agri‑processing industries.
• Strong background in cottonseed processing, solvent‑extraction plants, refining operations and utilities/maintenance management.
• Proven leadership of large manufacturing teams with a track record of operational turn‑around and profitability improvement.
• Experience in Africa or other emerging markets is highly desirable.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, production engineering, food technology or related field; Master’s/MBA preferred.

Required skills

• Solvent extraction
• Oil refining
• Process optimisation
• Equipment maintenance