Production and Tech Manager Job Details | ENGIE
ZAMBIA Accounting / Management control
Job description
Job Title: Production and Tech Manager
Department: Operations and Product
Reporting line: Head of Operations and Product
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Job Grade: Hay Level 15
About ENGIE Energy Access
ENGIE Energy Access is the leading Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGo) and mini-grids solutions provider in Africa. The company develops innovative, off-grid solar solutions for homes, public services and businesses, enabling customers and distribution partners access to clean, affordable energy. The PAYGO solar home systems are financed through affordable instalments from $0.19 per day and the mini-grids foster economic development by enabling electrical productive use and triggering business opportunities for entrepreneurs in rural communities. With over 1,800 employees, operations in nine countries across Africa (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia), over 1.9 million customers and more than 9 million lives impacted so far, ENGIE Energy Access aims to impact 20 million lives across Africa by 2025.
www.engie-energyaccess.com
www.linkedin.com/company/engie-africa
Job Purpose/Mission
The Production & Tech Manager will report directly to the Head of Operations and will be an integral part of the EEA Operations team. The primary responsibilities will be overseeing Tech Center operations, and supporting field teams through the development, implementation, training product troubleshooting processes, and production aspects related to product kitting, and assembly. We are looking for a self-motivated individual with outstanding communication skills and the ability to work well in teams as there will be extensive coordination with the entire operations team, field teams, and Department Heads.
Responsibilities
Tech Team Management:
· Manage the Tech Team KPIs by developing team strategy and updating results monthly.
· Lead the Technical and Production Teams, ensuring the teams are set for success! Responsible for the short and long-term team plans, ensuring proper staffing through recruitment and onboarding of team members.
· Provide continuous on-the-job coaching and feedback, complete monthly performance and bonus calculations for all team members, and ensure timely completion of performance reviews.
· Oversee all Tech Center operations, including processes for all product refurbishment, S&OP spare part orders, quarantine fixes, product testing, and ensuring safety and security.
· Design, implement, and maintain 5S and “Kaizen It!” processes, policies, and procedures to ensure a clean, safe, and organized workspace.
· Coordinate with Global Product Health team to review and analyze product health results, and assist in developing new testing, training, and communication strategies across operations and field teams.
· Collaborate with Global product health, Global operations, China operations, and Zambia Quality Assurance teams to develop and implement testing processes for manufacturing defects requiring refurbishment.
· Lead by example to create a culture of honesty, integrity, professionalism, and engagement within the Tech Center and wider Engie organization.
Production and Management:
· Oversee and manage Bill of Materials (BOM) updates, and accuracy to ensure efficient inventory control, and production readiness
· Oversee all production-related activities in the Operations department, ensuring the smooth functioning of product kitting and assembly lines.
· Develop, implement, and monitor production schedules to meet operational goals, ensuring timely and quality output.
· Coordinate with the inventory and supply chain teams to ensure materials and components are available for production activities.
· Manage the integration of product testing and assembly processes, including coordinating with product health teams to resolve quality issues or recurring defects.
· Design and implement continuous improvement strategies for production workflows, enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and maintaining high product quality standards.
· Collaborate with the Product teams to ensure that production processes are aligned with product development, and accommodate new product features or updates.
· Establish KPIs to track and evaluate production performance, making adjustments to meet company goals.
Quality Assurance:
· Oversee the development and implementation of quality assurance processes to ensure that all products meet global and local quality standards.
· Collaborate with Global Product Health and Zambia QA teams to implement testing protocols for products, including one-off or pervasive manufacturing defects.
· Develop training programs for the technical team and field staff on quality standards, processes, and troubleshooting techniques.
· Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, coordinating with relevant authorities to maintain certifications and approvals.
Project Support:
· Support EEA Zambia Operations department projects and programs.
· Work with key stakeholders to design and develop various project execution strategies.
· Provide data-driven insights to inform project decisions, prioritizing high-impact initiatives.
· Share tools, knowledge, and ideas that expand data use for long-term project success.
· Support the Head of Operations in monitoring and reporting project progress, ensuring data quality and timeliness.
· Undertake regular field visits to assess trends, needs, and gaps in field operations.
Product Compliance:
· Own the warehouse waste management strategy, with a focus on cardboard, plastic, product components, and e-waste.
· Coordinate with Global Operations, Legal and Policy teams, and industry groups to ensure compliance with ZEMA and GOGLA waste management regulations.
· Research and evaluate different waste disposal strategies and propose an overall strategy to Engie Energy Access Zambia and Global management.
· Ensure compliance with government organizations to obtain product approval certificates based on specification requirements.
· Maintain relationships with regulatory bodies, ensuring clear communication of product requirements.
· Communicate policy changes from these organizations to global product and supply chain teams and develop solutions to any compliance issues.
Knowledge and skills
Experience :
· 3-4 years of experience required in a similar role
· Self-motivated and ability to work in teams and independently
· Strong written and verbal communications skills (English)
· Attention to detail
· Professional work ethic and demeanor
· Previous experience in team management or cross-departmental collaboration desirable
Qualifications :
· Minimum Degree in Engineering or Business Administration, or similar qualifications required for the position
Language(s):
· English
· Local Languages
Technology :
· Computer skills - proficiency with email programs and in Excel, Power Point Presentation, etc.
· Data analytical skills in MySQL and database management tools
· ERP skills such as SAP
· Data visualization skills
ENGIE is an equal opportunity employer . We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We evaluate applications based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political opinions, union involvement, or citizenship.
Business Unit: GBU Flexible Gen & Retail
Division: Energy Access
Legal Entity: FENIX INTERNATIONAL ZAMBIA LIMITED COMPANY
Contract Type: Permanent
Job Type: Full - Time
Professional Experience: Skilled ( >3 experience <15 years)
Education Level: Bachelor's Degree