Operations Manager

About Organisation

Pearl Chips is the first Ugandan company that offers premium, pre-fried potato chips and wedges. We aim to supply Uganda and the region with high-quality, consistent potato products, saving time and costs for businesses while delivering a superior customer experience

Job Summary

Are you passionate about Managing teams, operations and technology? Pearl Chips is building a state-of-the-art food facility, and as Operations Manager you will run the heart of our production.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Run day-to-day operations of automated production lines, cold storage, and utilities.
• Translate company targets into clear production plans and KPIs
• Ensure safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing in line with demand and customer orders.
• Monitor performance data and drive actions to improve uptime, productivity, and waste.
• Lead and develop supervisors, operators, and technicians; manage shifts and staffing.
• Work with QHSE to secure product quality, food safety, and full regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to plan preventive maintenance and minimise downtime.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to secure materials and optimise usage, labour, and utilities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and standardise SOPs and best practices

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Preferred Operations/production management experience in food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a plant or production area against KPIs
• Experience leading shift-based teams
• Good understanding of food safety, quality systems, and HSE requirements.
• Experience working closely with maintenance and supply chain
• Proven problem-solving skills and familiarity with continuous improvement/lean concepts.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging with government and regulatory bodies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, Industrial Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing/operations experience, including team leadership.
• Experience in food processing or FMCG is a strong plus.
• Strong data skills and comfort with production KPIs and basic digital tools.
• Fluency in English; additional regional languages are a plus.

What’s great in the job?

• Lead operations of a brand‑new, fully automated potato processing facility in a high‑growth segment.
• Direct, measurable impact on productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Opportunity to build and shape the factory culture, standards, and systems from early stages.
• Work in a collaborative, hands‑on environment where your leadership and expertise are visible and valued.
• Long‑term growth opportunities in a stable, essential industry (food production).