Deputy Plant Manager
Full-time
douala, cameroon
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Deputy Plant Manager to lead the overall operations of our EV 2-Wheeler Assembly Plant. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing Production, Maintenance, Finance, Stores, PPC & Dispatch, HR & Admin, SCM (Supply Chain Management), Budgeting, and Monthly Review Meetings (MRM) with top management.
This role requires a strategic thinker and strong leader who can drive operational excellence, cost optimization, process improvements, and ensure quality and compliance in alignment with the organization’s business goals. The Deputy Pnat Manager will be responsible for ensuring on-time production, efficiency, safety, and continuous improvements while maintaining a high level of employee engagement and team performance.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Plant Operations & Production Management
- Lead daily assembly plant operations to achieve production targets, quality standards, and cost efficiency.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 practices to optimize productivity.
- Monitor OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), Cycle Time, and TAKT Time to drive efficiency.
- Collaborate with R&D and Engineering teams for new product launches and trials.
2. Maintenance & Asset Management
- Ensure preventive, predictive, and breakdown maintenance for assembly lines, testing equipment, and robotics.
- Optimize MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and MTTR (Mean Time To Repair) to minimize downtime.
- Implement Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to improve machine availability.
3. Financial Management & Budgeting
- Prepare and manage plant budgets (CAPEX & OPEX) with a focus on cost reduction and resource optimization.
- Analyse financial KPIs such as Cost per Unit, Material Inventory cost, and Overhead Costs to improve profitability.
- Ensure proper cost allocation and spend tracking across all departments.
4. Supply Chain, Stores & Inventory Control
- Ensure timely procurement and availability of raw materials, EV components, and consumables.
- Optimize inventory through Just-in-Time (JIT), Kanban, and Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) models.
- Maintain accurate stock levels in ERP/SAP, reducing excess inventory and avoiding shortages.
- Drive supplier quality improvement and ensure strong relationships with key vendors.
5. PPC (Production Planning & Control) & Dispatch
- Develop and monitor master production schedules to align with demand forecasts.
- Ensure on-time delivery of finished products while maintaining optimal WIP (Work-In-Progress) inventory.
- Streamline logistics and dispatch processes for efficient order fulfilment and customer satisfaction.
6. Human Resources & Administration
- Lead workforce planning, training, and performance management of plant personnel.
- Ensure compliance with labour laws, EHS (Environment, Health & Safety), and industrial regulations.
- Promote a high-performance culture, employee engagement, and skill development initiatives.
7. Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
- Implement EV industry standards for quality control.
- Conduct regular process audits, defect analysis, and corrective action plans.
- Ensure adherence to regulatory and environmental compliance.
- Establish Zero-Defect Quality Culture through continuous improvement initiatives.
8. Safety, EHS & Sustainability
- Drive a safety-first culture by implementing 5S, OSHA, and EHS protocols.
- Ensure compliance with environmental norms, hazardous material handling, and sustainability goals.
- Reduce carbon footprint, energy consumption, and waste generation in line with green mobility initiatives.
9. Monthly Review Meetings (MRM) & Reporting
- Conduct Monthly Review Meetings (MRM) with management, presenting KPIs, improvement plans, and risk assessments.
- Prepare detailed reports on plant performance, production efficiency, cost control, and new initiatives.
- Align plant goals with corporate objectives, revenue targets, and business strategy.
10. Business Growth, Strategy & Innovation
- Develop strategies for capacity expansion, automation, and new technology adoption.
- Collaborate with R&D for new EV model launches, prototype testing, and pilot runs.
- Benchmark industry trends and integrate AI, IoT, and smart manufacturing solutions.
Key Requirements:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor in Mechanical, Electrical, Automobile, or Industrial Engineering. MBA is a plus.
- 10+ years of experience in plant management, preferably in EV, 2-Wheeler, or Automotive Manufacturing.
- Strong expertise in Production, Maintenance, Finance, PPC, Dispatch, SCM, HR & Admin, Budgeting, and Compliance.
Skills & Competencies:
- Proven leadership with experience in managing 300+ employees across multiple functions.
- Hands-on experience in EV assembly, battery management systems, and motor/controller technology.
- Strong knowledge of SAP/ERP, Lean Manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 integration.
- Ability to analyse data, drive operational excellence, and ensure cost optimization.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic thinker with a track record of scaling up operations and driving continuous improvements.

