Director, Operations, Firestone Liberia

Position Summary

This role will be based in Liberia.

The Director of Operations, Firestone Liberia will be responsible for leading the Supply Chain functions, including Grow, Buy, Make & Move. These functions cover all operations including nursery management, tree planting, smallholder farmer extension, smallholder rubber purchasing, TSR & RSS manufacturing and export logistics.

This role includes a significant strategic component, developing short- & long-term business plans and budgets, to increase productivity and lower costs, whilst optimizing the efficient use of existing company assets. Working closely with the other functional heads, the Director of Operations will support the company's strategy to be a leading supplier of Sustainable Natural Rubber.

Responsibilities

• People Leadership - manage agile teams across all operational functions. Develop continuous improvement targets and improved KPI reporting for all operational areas.

• Oversee key strategic projects including: 1) TSR manufacturing expansion, 2) RSS factory construction & commissioning, 3) renewable power and water consumption, and 4) Sustainable Natural Rubber sourcing.

• Develop a long-term sourcing strategy to identify additional smallholder farmer volumes from across Liberia. Expand the Agronomy Extension Team to enable individual smallholder farmer visits & digitally map rubber growing areas, to deliver traceable & transparent rubber that can be certified as sustainable.

• Establish short- & long-term budgets for all operational areas. Track operating costs, identify potential savings, and execute on cost saving measures. Develop & recommend strategy for capital projects related to all Operational areas.

• Support the digitization project, to improve data collection and management, providing analytics to drive strategic decision making.

• In conjunction with the Head of Health & Safety, drive a Zero Incident Mindset to minimize all work-related accidents.

Bachelor's degree; 10+ years of relevant experience including 7+ years management or leadership experience in Africa, working in an agri-business.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree; 10+ years of relevant experience including 7+ years in senior management or leadership experience in Africa, working on a rubber plantation.