General Manager – Integrated Steel Plant

Our client is the leading producer of quality steel and plastic products, used for domestic, commercial, public and industrial purposes. They offer a one stop service and diversified product shop for the entire steel and plastic industry in East and Central Africa through their manufacturing and distribution locations.

What we offer
Our client offers an international working environment in the challenging African market. Welcoming new people to the organizational family, they offer competitive salary package and other benefits as per Uganda Labor Law.

Who you are
You possess strong metallurgical expertise, leadership skills, and financial and organizational acumen to ensure the project's successful and sustainable execution.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic project leadership and execution
• Deep metallurgical and process knowledge
• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Team-building and cross-functional leadership
• Results-driven, adaptable, and hands-on
• Commitment to safety, sustainability, and governance

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's in Metallurgical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (Master's preferred)
• 15-20 years of experience in integrated steel plant operations (blast furnace & BOF)
• Proven record leading greenfield/brownfield projects from feasibility to operations
• Strong knowledge of plant design, metallurgical processes, and production technologies
• Expertise in project management, cost estimation, and financial modeling
• Experience in multicultural environments and leading diverse teams
• Skilled in collaborating with government, EPC firms, consultants, and investors

Description
In this role, you will oversee the planning, development, and operation of an integrated steel manufacturing facility in Uganda. This role covers the full project lifecycle-from feasibility and licensing through to commissioning and operations-using Uganda's iron ore reserves and a blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BOF) process to produce billets and, eventually, hot rolled coils.
Role & Responsibilities:
1. Project Development & Conceptualization

• Lead the technical and economic evaluation of potential steelmaking routes (mini blast furnace, large blast furnace, BOF, EAF, etc.).
• Oversee feasibility studies, techno-economic modeling, and project design in collaboration with external consultants (e.g., technology providers, engineering firms, and advisors).
• Support the identification and assessment of raw material sources, including iron ore, coal, and limestone.
• Coordinate licensing, permitting, and compliance processes with Ugandan government authorities and regulators,
• Prepare capital and operating cost models and present financial and strategic recommendations to the Group CEO and Board.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the project with key government bodies, partners, financial institutions, and local communities.
• Coordinate with international technology suppliers, EPC contractors, and environmental consultants.
• Build strong working relationships with project consultants, technical teams, and external stakeholders.

3. Project Execution & Commissioning

• Oversee detailed design, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the integrated plant.
• Lead project management, ensuring adherence to time, cost, and quality parameters.
• Establish safety, environmental, and quality systems from inception.
• Supervise multidisciplinary teams, including engineering, construction, procurement, and financial control units.

4. Operations Leadership

• Transition the plant from project phase to operational mode, ensuring smooth ramp-up and sustainable operations.
• Develop and implement production, maintenance, quality, and logistics strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement in productivity, yield, and energy efficiency.
• Set up plant-level governance, reporting, and management systems.

5. Financial and Strategic Management

• Build and manage the operating budget, including cost control, forecasting, and performance monitoring.
• Develop financial models to support investment decisions and ongoing business planning.
• Support long-term strategic planning for downstream integration (e.g. hot rolled coils).

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Completion of feasibility and licensing milestones on schedule
• Timely achievement of project financial close and construction phases
• Commissioning and production ramp-up within budget and technical parameters
• Operational performance: capacity utilization, yield, and cost targets
• Safety and environmental compliance metrics
• Staff development and retention across project and operational teams