Director Industrial Projects

Job Description : Director Industrial Projects & Maintenance Location: Cameroon Position Overview The Director Industrial Projects & Maintenance will lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of major industrial projects while establishing and managing the long-term maintenance strategy for the industrial complex. The role is responsible for ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, while also driving equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and asset sustainability after commissioning. Key Responsibilities 1. Industrial Project Management (CAPEX) Develop technical specifications in collaboration with industrial and functional teams. Lead the complete project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, engineering design, tendering, construction supervision, commissioning, and final handover. Manage project schedules, budgets, quality standards, and risk mitigation plans. Coordinate and supervise contractors, consultants, engineering firms, equipment suppliers, and technical service providers. Ensure successful execution and delivery of industrial infrastructure and manufacturing facilities. 2. Maintenance Strategy & Operations (OPEX) Design and implement comprehensive maintenance strategies, including preventive, predictive, corrective, and continuous improvement programs. Select, deploy, and optimize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Establish spare parts management policies and optimize inventory levels for critical components. Build, recruit, train, and develop maintenance teams to support operational readiness and long-term plant reliability. Drive equipment availability, productivity, and maintenance excellence across the facility. 3. Budget Management & Performance Reporting Develop and monitor CAPEX and OPEX budgets. Ensure cost control, resource optimization, and return on investment for all projects and maintenance activities. Lead project steering committees and maintenance performance review meetings. Provide regular reports to senior management covering project progress, operational performance, reliability metrics, risks, and improvement opportunities. 4. Regulatory Compliance & QHSE Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, electrical, industrial, and regulatory standards. Integrate Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) requirements throughout project design, construction, commissioning, and operations. Enforce safe maintenance practices, including permit-to-work systems, lockout/tagout procedures, and contractor safety management. Support compliance with international standards such as ISO, HACCP, and other relevant industrial regulations. 5. Leadership & Stakeholder Management Lead cross-functional teams through project execution, commissioning, and operational transition phases. Foster collaboration between engineering, production, supply chain, finance, HR, and QHSE functions. Manage relationships with contractors, equipment suppliers, government authorities, and external stakeholders. Drive organizational change and operational readiness during facility start-up and expansion projects. Candidate Profile Education Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering, preferably in: Industrial Engineering Mechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Industrial Maintenance Civil Engineering Minimum 10 years of progressive experience managing large-scale industrial projects and maintenance operations. Proven track record in manufacturing, food processing, FMCG, or other process industries. Experience overseeing both project execution (CAPEX) and plant maintenance (OPEX) functions. PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification preferred. Fluent in both French and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills. High mobility and willingness to travel extensively. Valid driving license required. Strong expertise in industrial project management and asset maintenance. Practical knowledge of TPM, Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), FMEA, and continuous improvement methodologies. Experience with CMMS implementation and maintenance planning systems. Ability to interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, electrical schematics, and mechanical layouts. Strong understanding of budgeting, cost optimization, ROI analysis, and financial planning. Knowledge of industrial compliance, safety standards, and quality systems. Strong leadership and team-building capabilities. Ability to manage organizational change and operational transitions. Excellent planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Results-oriented with a strong focus on execution and accountability. Effective negotiator with strong stakeholder management skills. Executive Management Industrial Operations Production Supply Chain QHSE Human Resources Finance Engineering Consultants EPC Contractors Equipment Manufacturers Maintenance Service Providers Regulatory Authorities Industrial manufacturing environment with significant involvement during construction, commissioning, and operational phases. Availability required during critical project milestones, plant start-ups, and emergency maintenance situations. On-time project delivery. CAPEX budget adherence. Quality of project execution and successful commissioning. Equipment Availability and Reliability (OEE, MTBF). Maintenance Response Time (MTTR). Preventive Maintenance Compliance. Asset Lifecycle Performance. Safety Performance and Zero Lost-Time Incidents.

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