Senior Operations Manager – Africa (Multiple Locations)

About the role

Yara is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to lead end‑to‑end operations across several African markets. The role will ensure reliable supply, cost efficiency, and consistent product quality while upholding safety, health, environment, and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Manage heads of operations in each African market and ensure implementation of key directives.
• Own the regional operating plan, translating business strategy into site‑level goals, budgets and KPIs.
• Control operational costs across Africa in line with the approved CRC budget.
• Coach and evaluate country/site leaders to drive performance and continuous improvement.
• Standardise operating procedures, escalation protocols and performance governance across markets.
• Oversee operations planning to align demand, supply and capacity.
• Lead operational excellence initiatives, including the Yara Productivity System (YPS) and OKR monitoring.
• Ensure raw material and packaging availability through robust forecasting and management.
• Partner with procurement, supply management and finance on contracts, cost optimisation and capex approvals.
• Maintain audit readiness and harmonise quality standards across sites.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in multi‑country operations, preferably within agriculture or industrial sectors.
• Strong track record of managing large budgets and delivering cost‑efficient results.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop site leaders and drive operational discipline.
• Experience with operational planning, KPI management and continuous improvement programmes.
• Ability to work across diverse cultural and regulatory environments.

Required skills