Production and Maintenance Manager

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Production and Maintenance Manager to lead all production and maintenance operations of a beverage manufacturing factory in Erbil. This is a senior leadership role at the heart of the factory's operations. You will be accountable for delivering production plans safely, efficiently and cost-effectively, while maximising equipment reliability and keeping downtime to a minimum.

The role suits a hands-on operations leader who combines strong engineering knowledge with proven people leadership. You will lead production and maintenance teams, drive continuous improvement, and work closely with Supply Chain, Warehouse, Quality, Sales, Finance and Human Resources to keep the factory running smoothly.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Management

• Develop, implement and monitor daily, weekly and monthly production plans in line with approved demand.

• Achieve production targets while maintaining product quality and operational efficiency.

• Monitor production line performance, output, efficiency and utilisation.

• Ensure optimal use of manpower, machinery, materials and production resources.

• Manage production scheduling and coordination across production lines.

• Monitor production losses, material and packaging consumption, and production variances, and implement corrective actions.

• Ensure production follows approved Standard Operating Procedures, work instructions and quality requirements.

• Coordinate with Warehouse and Supply Chain to ensure timely availability of raw materials and packaging.

• Manage shifts effectively, with proper handover between shifts.

• Minimise production interruptions during changeovers.

Maintenance Management

• Develop and implement preventive, corrective and predictive maintenance programmes for production equipment, machinery, utilities and facility systems.

• Maximise equipment availability and reliability.

• Monitor breakdowns, downtime, repair time and recurring failures, and ensure a fast response to maintenance requests.

• Identify root causes of recurring failures and implement permanent solutions.

• Develop annual and periodic maintenance plans and coordinate planned shutdowns with Production.

• Ensure critical spare parts are identified, available and properly controlled.

• Provide technical specifications to Procurement for spare parts, tools and maintenance materials.

• Manage external maintenance contractors and service providers.

• Support equipment installation, commissioning, modification and improvement projects.

• Maintain accurate maintenance records and equipment history.

Production and Maintenance Planning

• Prepare integrated production and maintenance schedules that minimise operational disruption.

• Identify capacity constraints and equipment limitations.

• Ensure sufficient machine and manpower capacity to meet production requirements.

• Contribute to capacity planning and future production expansion.

• Recommend equipment upgrades, replacements and investments.

Quality and Food Safety

• Ensure production complies with approved quality and food safety requirements.

• Work with the Quality Department to resolve production quality issues and implement corrective actions.

• Ensure proper handling of non-conforming products and materials.

• Enforce cleaning, sanitation and hygiene requirements in production areas.

• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of findings.

Health, Safety and Environment

• Ensure all production and maintenance activities follow Health, Safety and Environment policies and procedures.

• Ensure employees use the required personal protective equipment and follow safety procedures.

• Identify and address unsafe conditions and operational safety risks.

• Investigate incidents and support corrective actions.

• Ensure machinery guards, emergency systems and safety devices are properly maintained.

• Promote a strong safety culture across Production and Maintenance.

Team Leadership

• Lead, supervise and develop Production and Maintenance teams.

• Set clear responsibilities and performance expectations.

• Monitor performance, provide regular feedback, and identify training needs.

• Ensure adequate manpower allocation across shifts.

• Address performance and workplace issues in coordination with Human Resources.

• Build a culture of teamwork, accountability, discipline and continuous improvement.

Cost and Resource Management

• Monitor production and maintenance operating costs.

• Reduce waste, energy consumption, spare parts costs and unnecessary maintenance expenses.

• Control the use of materials, spare parts, tools and consumables.

• Support annual budgeting for Production and Maintenance.

• Provide technical recommendations to management on major maintenance expenditure.

• Ensure company assets and equipment are properly maintained and protected.

Reporting and Systems

• Prepare regular reports on production output, efficiency, utilisation and downtime.

• Report on equipment breakdowns, preventive maintenance completion and maintenance backlog.

• Report on material consumption, production variances and spare parts requirements.

• Highlight major operational risks, production constraints and equipment failures to management.

• Ensure accurate recording of production, consumption, downtime and maintenance data in the Enterprise Resource Planning system.

AUTHORITY AND DECISION-MAKING

The Production and Maintenance Manager is empowered to:

• Allocate production and maintenance resources and assign responsibilities within approved limits.

• Stop production when there is a serious safety, quality or equipment risk.

• Initiate corrective and preventive actions.

• Request maintenance materials, spare parts and technical services in line with approved procedures.

• Recommend equipment repair, replacement, modification or improvement.

• Recommend overtime and additional manpower when operationally justified.

• Escalate major production, safety, quality or equipment issues to the Managing Director.

Major capital expenditure, new equipment purchases, major organisational changes and expenditure outside delegated authority require management approval.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: Managing Director, Supply Chain and Procurement, Warehouse and Logistics, Quality Assurance and Quality Control, Sales, Finance, Human Resources, Health Safety and Environment, and Information Technology.

External: Equipment and machinery suppliers and manufacturers, maintenance contractors, technical service providers, spare parts suppliers, government and regulatory authorities, external auditors, and technical consultants.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Production or Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Additional qualifications in Production, Maintenance, Operations or Engineering Management are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum seven years of experience in manufacturing, production, industrial operations or maintenance.

• Minimum three years in a managerial or supervisory role.

• Experience in beverage, food or fast-moving consumer goods manufacturing is strongly preferred.

• Proven experience in production planning, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting and operations management.

• Experience leading production teams and maintenance technicians.

• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning and manufacturing systems is preferred.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Technical

• Strong production and operations management.

• Strong maintenance management and troubleshooting knowledge.

• Production planning and scheduling.

• Preventive and corrective maintenance management.

• Root cause analysis and problem-solving.

• Cost control and resource management.

• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements.

• Good understanding of quality and food safety requirements.

• Strong computer and reporting skills.

Leadership and Behavioural

• Strong leadership and team management.

• Sound decision-making and accountability.

• Clear communication and cross-department coordination.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

• Continuous improvement mindset.

• Professional conduct, discipline and integrity.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Achievement of approved production plans.

• Production line efficiency, utilisation and productivity.

• Reduction of production losses, waste and interruptions.

• Material consumption against approved standards.

• Equipment availability and reliability.

• Reduction of unplanned downtime and recurring failures.

• Preventive maintenance completion and breakdown response time.

• Control of maintenance and spare parts costs.

• Compliance with quality, food safety, and Health, Safety and Environment requirements.

• Reduction of production and maintenance-related incidents.

• Team performance, manpower utilisation and timely reporting.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Full-time, factory-based role in Erbil.

• Regular presence in production and maintenance areas.

• May require work outside normal hours during production emergencies, major breakdowns or critical operational needs.

• Compliance with all factory safety, hygiene, personal protective equipment and access requirements.