Assistant Production Manager

What the Job is about

Support the Production Manager in planning, coordinating, and controlling all production shift activities to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality clinker production in line with targets and standards.

What you will be doing

1. Safety, Health & Environment (SHE)

• Enforce compliance with all safety rules, PTW (Permit to Work), and lockout/tag out procedures during the shift.

• Conduct toolbox talks and safety briefings for shift teams.

• Ensure adherence to environmental standards (emissions, dust control, waste handling) during operations.

• Participate in incident/near-miss reporting and investigations.

2. Shift Management & Production Control

• Lead and supervise all production shift activities to achieve daily production targets.

• Implement daily/shift production plans, monitor process parameters, and adjust operations to optimize output and energy consumption.

• Coordinate with Kiln Coach, field operators, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth and continuous operation.

• Authorize startup/shutdown of key equipment according to SOPs.

3. Process Monitoring & Optimization

• Monitor key process indicators (through CCR and field checks: kiln feed, free lime, temperature profiles, pressure, power consumption, etc.).

• Identify process deviations and take corrective actions promptly to maintain product quality and plant reliability.

• Escalate major abnormalities to the Production Manager and relevant departments.

4. Quality Assurance

• Ensure clinker produced during the shift meet quality specifications by closely collaborating with the Quality/QA-QC department.

• Implement feedback from laboratory test results to adjust process parameters.

• Minimize rework, off-spec products, and customer complaints related to operations.

5. People Management & Training

• Supervise Shift managers, Kiln Production Coordinator and other production personnel on shift.

• Allocate manpower, manage shift handover, and ensure discipline and adherence to procedures.

• Coach, mentor, and train Production staff on operating procedures, process understanding, and safety.

6. Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare and submit required production reports (volumes, stoppages, incidents, consumptions, quality issues).

• Ensure correct and timely logging of operational data and events in logbooks and systems.

• Contribute input for daily production meetings.

Requirements

Critical Knowledge

• Good knowledge of cement manufacturing processes and equipment
• Good knowledge of safety laws and regulations.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills (root cause analysis of process issues)
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick, sound operational decisions
• Good communication and reporting skills

Critical Experience

• Degree or equivalent in any engineering discipline or Sciences
• 5+ years’ experience in cement plant operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory/shift leadership role
• Strong knowledge of kilns and process control (DCS/CCR systems).

Benefits

At HBM Nigeria, our people are passionate about finding better ways to build. We embrace innovation, continuous improvement and a pioneering spirit, while working as trusted partners to create better solutions and experiences for our customers, communities, and colleagues.

Your HBM Nigeria Experience

At HBM Nigeria, there is endless opportunity for you to play your part. Whether you are in a technical, managerial, or frontline role, you can shape a career that works for you. With us you’ll have the chance to embrace the passion we share for our planet. You’ll be encouraged to seek out diverse perspectives, share your ideas and build the skills and connections you need to perform at your best. Because it’s only when we work together in a culture where everyone thrives that we can build the world we all want to live in.