Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Manufacturing

About the role

Q-Sourcing is looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of its manufacturing business. The role is based in Ntarama, Bugesera District, and calls for a strong, self-driven leader with excellent problem-solving skills and sound commercial judgment, able to take ownership of operations and drive productivity and efficiency.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, including production planning, maintenance, warehousing, logistics and supply chain.
• Improve production output, minimize downtime, reduce waste and optimise the use of raw materials, labour, energy and other resources.
• Lead and motivate departmental managers and employees, and hold them accountable for results.
• Translate company objectives into operational plans and ensure they are implemented on time.
• Ensure production meets quality standards, workplace safety and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor operational costs and implement measures to improve margins and performance.
• Set and monitor KPIs covering production, quality, maintenance, costs, delivery and employee productivity.
• Coordinate production, quality control, procurement, sales, finance and HR, and build a culture of continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field.
• At least 5 years of professional experience, preferably in manufacturing operations, with responsibility for teams, processes or multiple departments.
• Proven experience in a manufacturing company, preferably FMCG or similar fast-moving production environments.
• Ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities and deliver measurable results; hands-on understanding of factory-floor realities.
• Preferred: around 35-45 years of age, experience managing supervisors or department heads, and availability to work 6 days a week with flexible hours.

Required skills

• Production planning, cost management, quality assurance and maintenance.
• Proficiency with operational reporting systems, spreadsheets and business management software.