Operations & Business Development Manager

Smart Light Foods Limited is a growing food manufacturing company committed to improving health through nutritious, evidence-based food products. We develop high-quality, micronutrient-rich foods for children, mothers, and families using locally sourced ingredients and world-class production standards.We are building a nutritious and trusted African foodbrand with ambitions to serve customers across Nigeria and internationally

As we expand, we are looking for passionate, innovative, and results-driven professionals who are excited to help build one of Africa’s leading nutrition brands.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Operations & Business Development Manager

Location: Enugu
Employment Type: Full-time

Position Summary

• This role reports directly to the Managing Director.
• The Operations & Business Development Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of our food processing factory while leading business development and sales activities.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring efficient production, maintaining product quality, expanding our retail network, managing staff, and delivering profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities
Factory Operations:

• Supervise packaging, inventory, and warehouse activities.
• Manage daily factory operations and production schedules.
• Ensure machinery is properly maintained.
• Reduce production waste and improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure products are manufactured according to quality and food safety standards.

Sales & Business Development:

• Introduce our products to supermarkets, pharmacies, distributors, wholesalers, and retail stores.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Negotiate supply agreements and follow up on payments.
• Achieve monthly sales targets.
• Develop and execute sales strategies.

Team Leadership:

• Recruit additional employees as the business grows.
• Supervise production and sales staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Train staff on company procedures and quality standards.

Procurement & Inventory:

• Monitor stock levels and prevent shortages.
• Coordinate logistics and deliveries.
• Maintain accurate inventory records.
• Source quality raw materials at competitive prices.

Financial & Administrative Management:

• Prepare weekly and monthly performance reports.
• Ensure accurate record keeping.
• Monitor operational expenses.
• Support budgeting and cost control initiatives.

Compliance & Quality Assurance:

• Maintain excellent hygiene and sanitation standards within the factory.
• Ensure compliance with NAFDAC and food safety regulations.
• Implement and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Reporting:
Provide daily and weekly reports to the Managing Director covering:

• Customer acquisition
• Inventory status• Cash collections
• Recommendations for improvement
• Operational challenges
• Production output
• Sales performance

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Success in this role will be measured by:

• Inventory accuracy
• Monthly sales growth
• Cost control
• Team performance
• Number of new retail outlets acquired
• Profitability.
• On-time deliveries
• Production efficiency• Product quality
• Customer satisfaction

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Food Science, Industrial Management, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s licence is an advantage.
• Experience managing teams.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in operations, production, FMCG, manufacturing, or business development.
• Experience in food manufacturing is an added advantage.

Skills & Competencies
We are looking for someone who is:

• Comfortable using WhatsApp, Excel, and online meeting platforms for remote reporting.
• Honest with high integrity
• Entrepreneurial and self-driven
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent at problem-solving
• Strong communicator and negotiator
• Results-oriented
• Commercially minded
• Highly organized

What We Offer

• Performance-based bonuses
• Opportunity to help build a nationally recognized food brand from the ground up.
• Competitive salary
• Professional development and training
• Sales commission
• Opportunity to grow into a senior leadership position