Production Engineer - Serendipalm

Serendipalm Co. Ltd. operates a Fairtrade & Organic commercial palm oil project with small holders and a “traditional” village-based oil mill. The project supplies several brands in Europe and in the U.S., is organic and fair trade certified and has a positive impact on rural development in the Eastern Region. It is diversifying into cocoa and other organic and fair products, including value addition that requires processing.

Serendipalm is value driven with a highly motivated team of 20+ professionals who manage a 200+ local staff, many unskilled. A team from Dr. Bronner’s, Serendipalm’s sister company, provides support in several areas, including technology and advisory support.

Purpose

Serendipalm is seeking a versatile, committed and highly skilled engineer who can support production and the expansion of our operation in a pro-active, cooperative style. An adaptable, emphathetic team leader. One with experience of a results orientated team of electricians & mechanics. The focus is on mechanical and electrical aspects regarding production. Since we also carry out construction projects; knowledge of construction will be a plus.

Key responsibilities

Operational:

• Plan & manage the installation of new plant and equipment to increase production efficiency and the reliability of equipment. A steam boiler installation is planned in the near future
• Plan, manage & document the performance and maintenance of production equipment (mechanical & electrical) in accordance to manufacturers specifications. In doing so to also increase the performance and reliability of equipment
• Troubleshooting of electrical & mechanical systems including control cabinets ‚to increase reliability
• To positively cooperate with technical team (electricians & mechanics & lab technicians) in an action orientated manner, to constantly increase production efficiency and minimize downtime of equipment
• To positively cooperate with management (Managing Director & Production Manager & Dr. Bronner`s technical team) to implement standard operating procedures (SOP`s) and review existing production steps targeting to increase production speed & efficiency
• To positively cooperate with the company electrician and to review & document current electrical systems and plan & manage improvements thereof;
• Plan & manage spare parts requirements, stock items and to grow and develop a network of spare parts suppliers in Ghana

Health & safety:

• Is committed to health & safety, through sound management, supported by legal policies & procedures
• To review risk assessments, for staff and on all equipment. To plan & manage health and safety procedures on each production step and to improve health & safety to all our workers and outside contractors, as appropriate
• Provide appropriate and impactful documentation on activities regarding health & safety training and concepts
• Review,organize and directly support in the procurement of PPE’s according to health & safety policies and procedures

Key characteristics:

• Proactive approach on each of the above mentioned points
• Emphathetic & open, yet driven Team Leader for an already established technical team
• A Hands-on approach; practitioner that is willing to get his hands dirty, leading by sound example
• Excellent communication skills; able to transfer complicated technical coherence into easy and understandable words so that unskilled workers can understand
• An even-handed approach, willing and able to find solutions to technical and interpersonal challenges with others

Serendipalm Offers:

• A secure job with opportunities for growth
• Performance-based competitive compensation and benefits
• A very collegial and constructive working environment
• Management support of training to enhance job skills and experience
• A decent workshop on-site
• References will be required

Qualification Required & Experience

• A formal qualification in mechanical or electrical or production engineering at diploma or degree level
• Extensive experience working as a production engineer and leader of a maintenance team. Troubleshooting, organising of repair, installation and maintenace works.Oil press, heating systems, mechatronic control systems, steaming system, steam boilers and centrifuges
• Plan & organize external engineering expertise for machine repair and fault diagnosis when needed
• Able to manage external contractors for implementation of new production equipment/systems
• Able to communicate (written & spoken) effectively in English and Twi
• Provide leadership to a team of trained and unskilled staff
• Must be able to work to tight deadlines, to a high standard of workmanship
• Advanced computer skills, notably, Email, MS Office & Autocad
• Motivated to work on commercial projects with a strong social and environmental mission
• Experience with SPS (Simatic) and other automatization/planning tools/programs
• Willingness to locate full time in Asuom – Eastern Region.

Location: Asuom, Eastern Region