Plant Manager - Water Production Plant at Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO)

Key Responsibilities 

• Oversee the entire plant operations including RO water treatment, bottling, packaging, and dispatch
• Ensure production targets are achieved with optimal efficiency
• Monitor plant KPIs such as output, downtime, and yield
• Implement and enforce SOPs for all plant activities.
• Ensure efficient operation of RO systems, filtration units, UV/ozone disinfection, and bottling lines
• Monitor performance of membranes, pumps, conveyors, filling machines, and labelling systems
• Ensure proper sanitation and hygiene standards in the bottling area
• Ensure compliance with WHO, SON, NAFDAC, and other regulatory standards
• Monitor water quality and finished product quality
• Oversee laboratory testing and quality control processes
• Ensure adherence to water safety and hygiene standards
• Lead preventive and corrective maintenance programs
• Improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime
• Coordinate with engineering teams for upgrades and modifications
• Ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and procedures
• Promote a strong safety culture across the plant
• Conduct audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations
• Manage plant budgets, including utilities, chemicals, manpower, and maintenance costs
• Optimize energy consumption and resource utilization
• Control inventory of raw materials, chemicals, and spare parts
• Lead and manage plant personnel including supervisors, operators, and technicians
• Conduct performance reviews and training programs
• Build a high-performance and accountable team
• Coordinate with procurement and logistics for material availability
• Ensure timely production and dispatch of finished goods
• Minimize production delays and stock shortages
• Prepare operational reports for management
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization
• Implement automation and efficiency enhancement projects

 Functional Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of Reverse Osmosis (RO), water treatment, and bottling processes
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, pumps, conveyors, and filling machines
• Knowledge of water chemistry and microbiological standards
• Familiarity with PLC/SCADA systems and automation
• Maintenance planning and reliability engineering
• Budgeting, cost control, and resource optimization
• Knowledge of quality systems and regulatory compliance
• Data analysis and reporting skills

Behavioural Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management
• Strategic thinking and decision-making ability
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of accountability and ownership
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Result-oriented and proactive approach
• Strong organizational and planning skills

 Requirements 
Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or chemical engineering
• Master’s Degree (MBA / Technical) is an added advantage

Experience:

• Minimum 18–20 years of experience in water treatment, beverage, or bottling plants
• At least 8–10 years in a senior management role
• Strong experience in RO systems, packaged drinking water, or beverage bottling operations is highly preferred.

Certifications:

• Any certification in the field or related field
• Project Management Certification (PMP) is an added advantage

Selection Criteria:

• Should possess hands-on experience in managing RO drinking water and bottling plant operations, including treatment, filling, and packaging
• Should have proven experience in leading large teams and managing plant operations at a senior level
• Should have strong working knowledge of water treatment processes, bottling systems, and quality standards (WHO, SON, NAFDAC)
• Should have practical exposure to plant maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment reliability improvement
• Should possess hands-on experience in production planning, inventory control, and cost optimization
• Should have proven experience in implementing safety, quality, and regulatory compliance systems
• Should have strong working knowledge of PLC/SCADA systems and plant automation
• Should have practical exposure to continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization.