About the role

Belize Sugar Industries is hiring a Factory/Plant Manager for the Tower Hill Sugar Mill and Power Plant in Orange Walk. The manager leads safe, efficient and cost-effective operation of the mill and power plant, covering milling, sugar processing, Direct Consumption Sugars, material and energy balances, production planning, quality and key operational support. The role calls for strategic and hands-on leadership during crop and off-crop periods, and reports to the Sr. Director, Industrial Operations.

Responsibilities

Manage daily operations through milling, clarification, evaporation, crystallisation, centrifugation, sugar drying, Direct Consumption Sugars and cogeneration interfaces for stable, efficient plant performance
Ensure production targets, efficiency rates, quality standards, safety expectations and environmental requirements are consistently met
Develop, coordinate and monitor production schedules aligned with cane supply, factory capacity, product demand and power generation needs
Maintain accurate production records, review material and energy balances, and prepare regular operational and performance reports for management
Ensure adherence to approved quality standards for raw sugar, Direct Consumption Sugars, molasses and by-products, working with the Quality Supervisor and the Quality Control and Laboratory teams
Monitor quality performance, investigate process deviations, and ensure timely, sustainable corrective and preventive actions
Provide visible leadership in promoting a proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability standards
Lead, supervise, guide and motivate shift production superintendents and supervisors, shift pan boilers, shift operators, power plant interfaces and other production personnel
Plan and coordinate manpower development, technical training, cross-training and on-the-job coaching
Work with Engineering and Maintenance to plan preventive maintenance and reduce equipment downtime
Identify process improvement opportunities with the Industrial Operations Manager to improve productivity, recovery rates and cost efficiency

Requirements

Master's degree (preferred) or Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Sugar Technology, Manufacturing/Process Engineering, or a closely related science or engineering discipline
10 to 15 years of progressive experience in sugar manufacturing, agro-industrial processing or comparable high-volume process manufacturing, with at least five years in a senior management role overseeing multi-disciplinary operations
Strong technical knowledge of sugar manufacturing: cane preparation, milling, clarification, evaporation, crystallisation, centrifugation, sugar drying, Direct Consumption Sugars, molasses handling, process control and factory production planning
Working knowledge of cogeneration power plant operations, steam and energy systems, material and energy balances, process optimisation, factory logistics, maintenance coordination and financial principles for manufacturing performance and cost control
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills
Self-motivated with an exceptional work ethic
Strong budgeting, planning, organising and coordination skills
Able to lead large operational teams, manage shift-based production, develop manpower and apply company policies consistently
Strong understanding of quality management systems, food safety or product quality controls, environmental management, occupational health and safety, statutory compliance and sustainability practices
Able to analyse production data, downtime trends, recovery, process losses, energy use and costs for timely decisions and continuous improvement
Willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays

Preferred qualifications

Postgraduate qualification in operations management, business administration, engineering management or a related field