Our Company
SAO Agro is a leading agribusiness, agriproject development, and agro-investment company committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and food systems across Nigeria and Africa.
We are deeply committed to driving socioeconomic impact and rural development by targeting critical sectors. SAO Agro partners with governments, development institutions, private-sector investors, and local communities to structure and deliver transformative agricultural projects. We approach agriculture with a holistic, long-term, and socially responsible mindset, designing and operating agricultural estates and processing facilities that deliver measurable impact at scale.
We value diversity, innovation, and authenticity. Our team comprises talented professionals from varied backgrounds, (whether different geographies, disciplines, languages or experiences) united by a shared passion for agriculture, sustainability, and community development.
Across our portfolio companies, we have projects ranging from a N35 bn Infrastructure Bond Issuance, a US$60m renewable energy project, US$45m education infrastructure, US$100m Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone amongst other projects.
Role Summary
The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall management of the cocoa processing facility, ensuring efficient transformation of raw cocoa beans into semi-finished and finished products such as cocoa liquor, butter, cake, and powder, while maintaining global food safety and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Plant Operations & Production Oversight
- Oversee the full cocoa processing flow: Bean receiving & grading, Cleaning & destoning, Roasting, Cracking & winnowing, Grinding (cocoa liquor production), Pressing (cocoa butter & cake separation), Pulverizing (cocoa powder production)
- Ensure optimal plant throughput and minimal production downtime
- Approve daily/weekly production schedules aligned with demand forecasts
Production Efficiency & Yield Management
- Monitor cocoa yield loss at each processing stage
- Ensure optimal extraction rates of cocoa butter and liquor
- Implement continuous improvement strategies (lean manufacturing, Six Sigma principles)
Quality & Compliance Oversight
- Ensure compliance with: HACCP, ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
- Food safety regulations (local & international export standards)
- Ensure traceability of cocoa beans from sourcing to finished goods
- Oversee quality parameters such as: Moisture content, Fat content, Bean defect levels, Roasting profiles
Leadership & Coordination
- Lead Production, QA/QC, Maintenance, and Warehouse teams
- Ensure cross-functional coordination between procurement and production
- Conduct performance reviews and workforce planning
Cost & Resource Management
- Control production cost per ton of cocoa processed
- Optimize energy usage (roasters, grinders, presses)
- Reduce waste and improve recovery rates
Required Qualifications & Experience
- B.Sc in Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering
- 12 years plus in cocoa/food processing or FMCG manufacturing
- Strong understanding of cocoa value chain processing equipment
