Deputy General Manager, Quality Assurance 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.