About the role

Operations Manager – Flexible Packaging Conversion Plant

Accra, Ghana

Sintex Packaging Products Ghana - A fast-growing, flexible-packaging manufacturer in Accra serving West-African market. Our plant operates 24/7 and is equipped with 8-colour rotogravure printing presses, solvent-based & solvent-less laminators (duplex, triplex, 4-ply), PVC gluing lines, and high-speed turret slitters.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is the single point of accountability for all converting processes—printing, lamination (solvent-based & solvent-less up to 4-ply), PVC gluing, and slitting—across two shifts and ±100 employees. You will drive safety, quality, cost, delivery, and continuous-improvement performance while ensuring full compliance with Ghana EPA, FDA-Ghana, and customer-specific standards.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Schedule rotogravure printing, multi-ply lamination, Shrink Sleeve, and slitting to maximize OEE, minimize changeover and achieve on-time delivery.
Own daily KPI dashboard.
Develop and maintain SOPs for gravure doctor-blade settings, anilox inventory, adhesive mix ratios (solvent & solvent-less), and slitting knife-planning.
Ensure every lot meets customer specs (bond strength, residual solvent, WVTR/OTR, COF) and passes Ghana Standard Authority standards.
Chair daily quality stand-up; approve holds, CAPA, and customer complaint investigations (target closure ≤ 7 days).
Manage Ghana EPA VOC permits and solvent-recovery system; ensure hazardous-waste manifests are filed monthly.
Drive a “zero-harm” culture; enforce LOTO, confined-space, hot-work, PPE, and combustible-dust programs compliant with Ghana Factories, Offices & Shops Act.
Conduct at least two layered-process audits per week; lead monthly safety committee meetings.
Lead Lean/6σ events (Kaizen, SMED, 5S) targeting ≥ 8% waste reduction and 10% speed increase YoY.
Prepare and manage CAPEX proposals (new press, laminator upgrade, turret slitter, inline 100% inspection) with payback ≤ 24 months.
Directly supervise Shift Supervisors, Process Engineers, Maintenance Superintendent, and Warehouse Lead; indirectly lead 100+ machine operators, QC technicians, and helpers across two shifts.
Build training matrices for gravure set-up, solvent-less adhesive mixing, 4-ply lamination recipe management, PVC application, and slitting defect recognition.
Conduct quarterly performance reviews and maintain succession pipeline for critical roles.
Control raw-material usage variance (film, ink, solvent, adhesive) within ±1% of standard.
Prepare weekly operations report for Plant Manager.
Host technical audits and on-site trials; liaise with global ink, adhesive, and substrate suppliers on new product development.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or Printing/Packaging) preferred; HND plus proven track record accepted.
10+ years’ flexible-packaging experience, including 5+ years managing rotogravure printing and solvent/solvent-less lamination in Africa or a comparable emerging market.
Hands-on expertise with 4-ply structures, PVC cold-seal, and high-speed slitting; familiarity with Nordmeccanica, Kohli, or equivalent assets.
Black Belt or Lean certification is highly desirable.
Experience with ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, and customer audits strongly preferred.
Proficiency with MS Excel.

Competencies

Decisive, hands-on leader with high mechanical aptitude and resilience in a 24/7 environment.
Strong cross-functional communicator (English fluency required).
Cultural sensitivity to manage a diverse Indian/Ghanaian workforce.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Plant Manager

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive expatriate or local package (housing, school, medical, relocation support) commensurate with experience.
Annual performance bonus tied to plant KPIs.

Travel

<10% regional travel for supplier/customer visits.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team in Ghana.

OPERATION MANAGER