Senior Asphalt Plant Engineer

Position Overview:

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Asphalt Plant Engineer to lead the operation and maintenance of asphalt production plants across challenging project sites in Nigeria.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive hands-on experience managing asphalt plants in demanding environments, ensuring continuous production, consistent mix quality, and full compliance with HSE standards. This role requires strong technical expertise, operational leadership, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure in fast-paced project environments.

Key Responsibilities & Role:

1. Plant Operations & Production Management:

• Lead and oversee daily operations of the asphalt production plant.
• Ensure uninterrupted production while meeting project schedules and output targets.
• Monitor plant performance, output efficiency, and material consumption.
• Maintain consistent asphalt mix quality in accordance with project specifications.
• Optimize plant settings and production processes to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.

2. Maintenance & Technical Management:

• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Conduct regular inspections and performance diagnostics.
• Lead rapid troubleshooting and root cause analysis to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate major repairs, overhauls, and equipment upgrades.
• Maintain proper documentation of maintenance records and plant performance metrics.

3. Quality Control & Compliance:

• Ensure asphalt mix designs meet project and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with QA/QC teams to maintain strict quality standards.
• Ensure calibration of plant equipment and testing instruments.
• Guarantee compliance with Nigerian regulatory standards and international best practices.

4. Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Compliance:

• Enforce strict adherence to HSE policies and procedures.
• Promote a strong safety culture across plant operations.
• Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and toolbox talks.
• Ensure environmental compliance, including dust control, emissions management, and waste handling.

5. Coordination & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Coordinate with project management, procurement, logistics, and site teams to ensure material availability and production continuity.
• Manage production planning in alignment with site schedules.
• Address operational constraints such as power instability, raw material supply disruptions, and extreme weather conditions.

6. Leadership & Workforce Development:

• Provide on-site technical leadership and decision-making.
• Supervise plant operators, mechanics, and technical staff.
• Train and mentor local workforce to enhance technical competencies.
• Support skills transfer initiatives and capacity building within the team.
• Foster teamwork and performance accountability.

7. Performance Optimization & Reporting:

• Analyze operational KPIs and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare regular technical and operational reports.
• Manage operational budgets related to plant performance and maintenance.
• Recommend cost-saving measures without compromising quality or safety.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Relevant certifications in asphalt plant operations or HSE are advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in asphalt plant engineering.
• Proven experience working in African markets (Nigeria experience highly preferred).
• Extensive hands-on experience with batch and/or drum mix asphalt plants.
• Experience operating in remote or challenging site conditions.

Technical Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of asphalt production processes and mix design.
• Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
• Experience dealing with power fluctuation challenges and supply chain constraints.
• Familiarity with international HSE standards.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments.
• High level of problem-solving capability.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.
• Resilient, adaptable, and proactive mindset.

Key Success Indicators:

• Zero lost-time incidents.
• Consistent achievement of production targets.
• Reduced plant downtime.
• High mix quality compliance rate.
• Effective training and development of local workforce.