Deputy General Manager, Quality Assurance & Control at Dangote

Role Overview

The Deputy General Manager, Quality Assurance is a strategic leadership role responsible for defining, implementing, and overseeing the comprehensive quality management framework across all production stages, from raw material extraction to final product delivery. The incumbent will ensure that all cement products consistently meet internal specifications, national regulatory standards, and international quality certifications. This role is pivotal in fostering a culture of excellence, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring that quality control remains a competitive advantage for the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Provide visionary leadership to the QA/QC team, fostering a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with international standards (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Develop and implement an annual Quality Control Plan for the plant, ensuring all production targets are met with minimal deviation.
• Present periodic reports to executive management regarding quality performance, cost of poor quality (COPQ), and strategic improvement initiatives.

Operational Quality Control

• Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring the accuracy and precision of sample testing for raw materials, clinker, cement, oil, gas, and water.
• Supervise the calibration schedules for all laboratory and process control equipment to ensure ongoing reliability.
• Liaise with process control teams to monitor chemical parameters, ensuring the quality of intermediate products (raw meal, clinker) meets established standards.
• Lead the identification, investigation, and rectification of any product non-conformances or deviations from target quality standards.

Compliance & Auditing

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and industrial standards for cement production.
• Plan and execute internal and external audits to maintain ISO certifications and other necessary industry accreditations.
• Implement and manage Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) systems to address non-conformances and mitigate risks.
• Maintain comprehensive quality documentation, data management systems, and traceability records.

Continuous Improvement & Stakeholder Management

• Lead Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to reduce scrap, rework, and waste, directly impacting operational efficiency and profitability.
• Act as the primary advocate for the customer by investigating complaints, analyzing market feedback, and driving corrective improvements in the production process.
• Collaborate with procurement and suppliers to ensure the quality of incoming raw materials and additives.
• Provide training and coaching to plant staff to embed quality-first principles into daily operational workflows.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Professional Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification or advanced management degree is highly preferred.
• Professional certifications (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Auditor, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt) are strongly desired.

Experience

• Significant experience (typically 15+ years) in quality assurance and control within the cement or heavy manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record of managing large, multidisciplinary teams in a high-pressure manufacturing environment.
• Deep experience with ISO systems, quality auditing software, and advanced analytical tools.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of cement chemistry, raw material analysis, and mineral processing.
• Analytical Ability: Strong capacity to interpret complex data, identify patterns, and make evidence-based decisions.
• Leadership: Exceptional ability to lead, mentor, and inspire diverse teams toward shared objectives.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and present technical data to non-technical audiences.
• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to troubleshoot systemic issues using root cause analysis (RCA) and risk management methodologies.