Manufacturing Process Optimization Lead Job Vacancy in Brikama, Gambia – Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Job Description

Position:Manufacturing Process Optimization Lead

Company:Nestlé Gambia

Location:Brikama, Gambia

Experience:5+ years in manufacturing process improvement, preferably in food & beverage sector

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field; Master’s preferred

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Department:Operations & Production

Salary:SSP 250,000 – 350,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Nestlé Gambia is a leading multinational food and beverage company with a strong commitment to nutrition, health, and sustainability across West Africa. With state‑of‑the‑art production facilities in Brikama, Nestlé Gambia delivers a diverse portfolio of iconic brands to millions of consumers. The company invests heavily in local talent, community development, and innovative manufacturing practices, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking career growth in a dynamic, global environment. As part of Nestlé’s worldwide network, employees benefit from cross‑border collaboration, continuous learning opportunities, and a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and ethical business conduct. This role contributes directly to Nestlé’s mission of delivering quality products while optimizing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

For more information about Nestlé Gambia’s vision and values, visit the main website https://gambiajobsearch.com.

Job Overview

The Manufacturing Process Optimization Lead will spearhead continuous improvement initiatives across Nestlé’s Brikama production lines. This senior role blends engineering expertise with data‑driven decision making to enhance productivity, ensure product quality, and drive cost‑efficiency. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including Production, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Supply Chain—to identify bottlenecks, implement lean methodologies, and integrate advanced analytics into daily operations. The position plays a pivotal role in Nestlé’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing, aligning process enhancements with environmental targets and corporate social responsibility goals. This is a high‑visibility role that offers exposure to global best practices and the chance to shape the future of food manufacturing in Gambia.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end process mapping and value‑stream analysis to uncover improvement opportunities.
• Develop and execute lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen projects that reduce waste, cycle time, and operational costs.
• Utilize statistical process control (SPC) and advanced data analytics to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), yield, and energy consumption.
• Partner with Maintenance to design predictive maintenance strategies that minimize unplanned downtime.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance to ensure all process changes comply with food safety standards (ISO 22000, HACCP).
• Prepare business cases, ROI analyses, and detailed implementation plans for senior leadership review.
• Mentor and train production staff on continuous improvement tools and best practices.
• Drive sustainability initiatives by optimizing resource usage, reducing emissions, and supporting Nestlé’s zero‑deforestation commitment.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical mindset with proficiency in statistical software (Minitab, JMP) and data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau).
• In‑depth knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process engineering principles.
• Excellent project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder communication.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable recommendations for non‑technical audiences.
• Proficiency in SAP Production Planning (PP) or equivalent ERP modules.
• Leadership qualities with a collaborative approach to cross‑functional teamwork.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is a plus.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline is required. A Master’s degree or professional certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt are highly desirable and will be considered an advantage during the selection process.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of hands‑on experience in manufacturing process optimization within the food and beverage sector, preferably in a multinational environment. Demonstrated success in leading large‑scale improvement projects and delivering measurable results is essential.

Salary

The position offers a competitive salary range of SSP 250,000 to 350,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and annual salary reviews are part of Nestlé’s compensation framework.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Opportunities for international assignments and cross‑regional training.

Training

• Access to Nestlé’s global learning platform for continuous professional development.
• Certification support for Lean Six Sigma, PMP, and other industry‑relevant credentials.
• On‑the‑job mentorship from senior engineering leaders.
• Regular workshops on sustainability, digital manufacturing, and advanced analytics.

Working Environment

Nestlé Gambia provides a modern, safety‑first manufacturing environment equipped with the latest automation technologies. Employees work in collaborative spaces that encourage innovation and knowledge sharing. The company adheres to strict occupational health and safety standards, ensuring a secure workplace for all staff.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through the online portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment at the Brikama facility. For additional details on the recruitment timeline, visit https://www.eswatinijobsearch.com/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nestlé Gambia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.