General Manager- Operations

Location: Pokola , Republic of the Congo

Date: 2 Nov 2026

Business: Wood

Department: MATS

Business Information - Wood

We manage natural forest concessions spanning 2.1 million hectares in the Republic of Congo to the highest standards in line with the FSC1. Serving over 30 countries worldwide, we offer a reliable, high-quality supply of fully traceable wood products including primary transformation products, such as boules and air-dried sawn timber, to kiln-dried lumber, and value-added products like scantlings, and decking.

We’re pioneers in responsible and sustainable forestry management, and have been working closely with institutions, such as international NGOs, universities, and research organisations, the government, and local communities for over 55 years to ensure mutual value creation, and commercial, environmental, and social sustainability

All our products are fully traceable, and we ensure that our customers have all the information they need to comply with the EUDR and the Lacy Act.

Our five sawmills have a capacity of 350,000 m3 of input logs meaning we have the largest processing capacity for tropical timber in Africa. We operate a moulding unit and furniture workshop that produce finished products and high-quality furniture. Our knowledge and first-hand experience of many of the challenges in creating wood products uniquely position us to support our customers.

For more information please visit: Sustainable Wood | Sustainable Wood | Olam Agri

Job Description

The General Manager – Operations is responsible for providing overall leadership, coordination and performance oversight of CIB’s technical and operational functions.

The role ensures the safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable execution of CIB's activities across forestry operations, wood processing and industrial operations, technical services and maintenance equipment.

The GM – Operations translates the company's strategy into integrated operational priorities, ensures alignment between the different technical departments, drives operational performance and continuous improvement, and ensures that operational resources, assets and capabilities are effectively deployed to deliver CIB's business objectives.

The position acts as the senior operational leader supporting the Country Head and provides overall coordination across the technical functions.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and coordination across CIB’s technical and operational functions.
Drive operational performance across forestry operations, industrial production, technical services, equipment and maintenance.
Ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations, with strong focus on productivity, cost optimization and asset utilization.
Oversee operational planning and performance, ensuring delivery against production, budget and business objectives.
Drive equipment reliability and technical excellence, minimizing downtime and supporting business continuity.
Lead operational excellence and continuous improvement, including optimization of processes, systems and ways of working.
Ensure compliance with HSE, environmental and social requirements across all operational activities.
Oversee major operational projects and CAPEX, ensuring effective prioritization, execution and value delivery.
Build strong cross-functional collaboration between Operations, Industry, Technical, Equipment and Environmental & Social Responsibility.
Lead and develop the operational leadership team, building accountability, capability and a high-performance culture.

Experience

Significant senior leadership experience in complex industrial operations, preferably within forestry, wood processing, manufacturing, or another asset-intensive environment.

Proven experience managing multiple technical and operational functions and senior functional leaders.

Strong experience in operational performance, asset reliability, cost optimization and continuous improvement.

Proven experience working in and managing operations at remote sites is mandatory.

Experience operating in African and/or emerging-market environments would be an advantage.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, Forestry, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.

Postgraduate qualification in Business Administration or Operations Management would be an advantage.

Fluency in both English and French is required,

Olam Agri is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nationality, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants are requested to complete all required steps in the application process including providing a resume/CV in order to be considered for open roles.