Description:
We are seeking a hands-on, entrepreneurial Operations Director to lead the day-to-day operations of an integrated biochar, CNSL (cashew nut shell liquid), and compost production facility. This role owns production, maintenance, safety, budgeting, and technical troubleshooting for a multi-process industrial site. You will serve as the primary technical problem solver for all process and equipment issues, and play a central role in commissioning, ramp-up, and scaling of this factory and potentially future factories across Africa.
This is an on-site role suited to a practical, resilient, "builder" operator who thrives in complex, resource-constrained environments. You are strong in execution, result-oriented and a leader for teams under your management. The company offers competitive reward, with upside to become co-owner of the business based on performance.
Context
The company is a high-growth industrial venture building a greenfield cashew waste processing site in Tanzania. The leadership consists of international team of serial entrepreneurs, who are impact-driven with a strong focus on local job creation and scalable industrial development while removing carbon from the atmosphere.
This role directly influences both people and planetimproving agricultural value chains while deploying climate-positive technologies.
Key responsibilities
· Run daily plant operations across biochar (pyrolysis), CNSL (mechanical press), refining (reaction vessels) lines to meet volume, quality and cost targets.
· Lead technical troubleshooting on mechanical, process and basic electrical issues, working closely with operators and technicians.
· Implement and maintain SOPs, preventive maintenance plans and spares management.
· Ensure strong HSSE performance and compliance with local regulations and internal standards.
· Own the site budgeting, cost control and monthly performance reporting supported by back-office.
· Build, manage and develop a site team across product