Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline

ABIOT TESFAYE MEKURIA

Summary

Experienced Plant Manager adept at improving output, maximizing quality and boosting employee satisfaction with hands-on management style. Recognized as effective business manager and motivational leader. Successful manufacturing management career spanning 18 years.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Plant Manager

Kerchanshe trading PLC Buna plate& pen factories
01.2023 - Current
  • Proven influential executive with strong strategic business and operational acumen who demonstrates excellent leadership with a successful track record of delivering results in highly complex, fast paced environment
  • 18+ years of leadership experience both in project management and operation management mainly in food and beverage industries
  • Passion for people and process with diverse leadership and operational experience within organizations of various sizes including multi-site responsibility
  • Established operational policy and implement process improvements to ensure quality and through-put
  • Directly managed 17 Supervisors and 150 associates
  • I have initiated effective communication to develop staff, facilitate efficiency, and improve performance
  • Initiated lean manufacturing, reduced staff by 40 full time and 30 temporary employees, while maintaining production levels
  • Implemented PM Programs and an effective Parts Inventory Program
  • Oversee the SQF program to lead the development of the Food Safety Fundamentals and the Food Safety Plan
  • Increased overall Plant tonnage output by 32% without increasing resources through example, motivation, monitoring, and coaching.

Project General Manager

Maed Food Complex share company
01.2022 - 01.2023
  • Multidisciplinary, self-motivated, energetic Project Manager with a flexible and adaptable approach to work seeks hands-on experience within a company that embraces creativity and innovation
  • A high-motivated, strategic, and results-oriented project manager who has developed a diverse skill set to meet the ever-changing requirements within the industry
  • Known for being a self-starter as well as a great team player
  • Looking for an opportunity to assist companies of any sector in becoming more successful by contributing my knowledge, creativity, and vigor to their problem-solving needs
  • Defined project objectives, scope, and requirements in collaboration with stakeholders of the project and reduced scope creep by 25%
  • And developed comprehensive project plans, outlining tasks, timelines, resource allocations, and risk mitigation strategies for establishing new food complex industry
  • Led cross-functional project teams, providing clear direction, setting expectations, and fostering a collaborative work environment
  • Managed project team members, by assigning tasks, and defining and communicating accountability for deliverables
  • Monitored and controlled project scope, identifying and managing changes through the change control processes established and implemented
  • Accordingly communicated scope changes to stakeholders and by assessing their impact on project timelines and resources.

Plant Manager

Boortmalt Ethiopia PLC
06.2020 - 12.2021
  • Seasoned in overseeing complex manufacturing processes, with a track record of improving product quality by 25% over five years
  • Proficient in using Six Sigma methodologies to reduce process variability and increase overall productivity
  • Successfully led and mentored diverse teams across multiple plant locations
  • With an unwavering commitment to quality, implemented quality control measures that reduced product defects by 20%
  • Specializing in overseeing production processes, with a focus on increasing production rates by 30% through process improvements and workforce training
  • Proficient in using Project Management tools to ensure timely completion of production projects
  • Led diverse teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
  • Led production improvements that included over 50% EBITDA by using lean techniques solid inventory management and quality systems and cost reductions
  • Led cultural change in each facility, all had the lowest score for cultural health survey to have the highest scores for employees’ satisfaction
  • Developed multiple programs in multiple facilities to include preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, CMMS, TPM, reliability maintenance and audit systems.

Chief Strategy, quality and marketing officer

East Africa Tiger Brands Industries
07.2018 - 05.2020
  • Created champion innovation, continuous improvement and operational excellence of the company's products
  • Established effective accountability system for the maintenance and governance of enterprise performance measurement system including assignment of ownership of each measure to a person responsible for tracking
  • Developed and implemented rebranding strategy resulting in 30% increase in brand awareness
  • Increased customer engagement and lead generation by creating a social media strategy and managing social media platform
  • Developed and executed marketing campaign resulting in 20% increase in sales
  • Conducted marketing research, analyzed data and identified opportunities that resulted in the expansion of service leading to a 20% growth in customer base
  • Managed a team of 4+ marketing professionals, mentoring and improving productivity by 20%.

Manufacturing Manager

East African Bottling SC Dire Dawa Plant
06.2017 - 07.2018
  • Increased annual revenue by securing shred competitors through our Wholesale Destruction Services program
  • Actively drove growth partnering with Mergers & Acquisitions team reaching out to competitors resulting in two competitor purchases
  • Manage plant performance improvements based on set Key Performance Indicator [KPI] measurements
  • Implement cost effective systems of control over operating expenditures, manpower, and wages/salaries achieving a high level of performance in a cost-effective and safe manner
  • Continuously apply six sigma green belt principles to further optimize operations which reduces cost and increases revenue
  • Balancing of production lines
  • Increased productivity from 16,000 crates to 34,500 crates on a daily basis
  • Personnel reduction by 25%
  • Weekly dashboard presentation to senior management on productivity and financial metrics and KPIs
  • Review of production processes as their continuous improvement, based on cost reduction and process improvement
  • Prepared budget and led monthly reviews.

Plant Manager

MAAZA Mango juice processing plant
05.2015 - 05.2017
  • Established operational policy and implement process improvements to ensure quality and through-put
  • Directly managed 17 Supervisors and 150 associates
  • I have initiated effective communication to develop staff, facilitate efficiency, and improve performance
  • Initiated lean manufacturing, reduced staff by 40 full time and 30 temporary employees, while maintaining production levels
  • Implemented PM Programs and an effective Parts Inventory Program
  • Oversee the SQF program to lead the development of the Food Safety Fundamentals and the Food Safety Plan
  • Achieved labor savings through engineering changes and combining responsibilities of associates
  • Achieved cost reduction through increased training and setting efficient production schedules
  • Partnered with maintenance to reduce downtime by implementing a work order system program
  • Installed 4 new production machines to improve tonnage that increased in labor efficiency
  • Average of 98% on time shipping
  • Develop and manage the operations team including talent development, performance management and labor management (Organizations)
  • Develop and manage direct and indirect reports through performance management
  • Develop the plant staff and workforce through the performance management process, including the training and development plan for each direct report.

Manufacturing Unit Manager

East Africa Bottling Sc.
08.2013 - 05.2015
  • With a career spanning over a decade in plant management, spearheaded cost reduction initiatives, saving companies an average of 30% in operational expenses
  • Implemented Lean Manufacturing principles resulting in a 20% increase in production efficiency of the factory
  • Managed all aspects of manufacturing operations, with a history of reducing production downtime by 15% through preventative maintenance programs
  • Demonstrated leadership in managing teams across various shifts in a 24/7 operation
  • Managed plant maintenance, with a record of increasing equipment lifespan by 30% through effective maintenance strategies, using CMMS to schedule and track maintenance activities
  • Managing daily plant operations, with a focus on increasing operational efficiency by 35% through process improvements
  • Used data analytics to identify bottlenecks and streamline workflows
  • Managed teams of 150+ in high-pressure environments, consistently meeting production targets
  • Overseeing production processes, with a focus on increasing production rates by 30% through process improvements and workforce training
  • Proficient in using Project Management tools to ensure timely completion of production projects
  • Led diverse teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
  • Implemented quality control measures that reduced product defects by 20%
  • Proficient in using statistical analysis tools to monitor and improve product quality
  • Managed quality assurance teams in the processing plant and in other functions of the company.

Plant Manager

ACOS Ethiopia PLC
01.2012 - 08.2013

Plant Manager

Upper Awash Agro Industry Enterprise, Merti fruit& vegetable processing plant
03.2007 - 12.2011

Technical Manager

Upper Awash Agro Industry Enterprise, Merti fruit& vegetable processing plant
10.2005 - 03.2007

Mechanical Engineer

Upper Awash Agro Industry Enterprise, Merti fruit& vegetable processing plant
12.2003 - 10.2005

Education

Master of Arts - Business Leadership

University of South Africa, Addis Ababa
05.2013

B.Sc. degree in mechanical engineering -

Jimma University
01.2003

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Motivational skills
  • Problem solving
  • Decision making skills
  • Communication skills
  • Strong computer skills
  • Lean, problem solving and management skills (people/projects)
  • Demonstrated ability in budgeting, forecasting, manpower planning, training techniques, human relations skills, supervisory techniques
  • Work with people at all levels and strong leadership, interpersonal and team building skills
  • Strong communication, relationship building and presentation skill

Certification

  • Certificate of completion of 'Balanced Scored Card training', 09/2011, UNIVERSITY OF ETHIOPIAN CIVIL SERVICE
  • Diploma in completion one-year course of 'The bullet proof manager', CRESTCOM (TRAINERS TO THE WORLD)
  • Certificate for completion of 'Boiler operation, maintenance and safety training program', 10/08/2005, Ethiopian Mechanical engineers association
  • Certificate for completion of 'food safety management system based on HACCP, ISO 22000:2005, GMP, GHP and ISO 9001:200 systems training', 04/2008, ETHIOPIAN QUALITY INSPECTION, TESTING AND CERTIFICATION (QITC) SERVICES PLC
  • Certificate for completion of 'internal auditing on food safety management system based on HACCP and ISO 22000:2005 and ISO (9001:200(QMS) systems training', 10/2007, ETHIOPIAN QUALITY INSPECTION, TESTING AND CERTIFICATION (QITC) SERVICES PLC
  • TPM, autonomous maintenance, 5S, break down analysis, planned maintenance, quality maintenance, and focused improvement, EAST AFRICAN BOTTLING SHARE COMPANY
  • Certificate for completion of 'Foundations of Project Management', 03/15/2024, Florida University of Southeast

Timeline

Plant Manager - Kerchanshe trading PLC Buna plate& pen factories
01.2023 - Current
Project General Manager - Maed Food Complex share company
01.2022 - 01.2023
Plant Manager - Boortmalt Ethiopia PLC
06.2020 - 12.2021
Chief Strategy, quality and marketing officer - East Africa Tiger Brands Industries
07.2018 - 05.2020
Manufacturing Manager - East African Bottling SC Dire Dawa Plant
06.2017 - 07.2018
Plant Manager - MAAZA Mango juice processing plant
05.2015 - 05.2017
Manufacturing Unit Manager - East Africa Bottling Sc.
08.2013 - 05.2015
Plant Manager - ACOS Ethiopia PLC
01.2012 - 08.2013
Plant Manager - Upper Awash Agro Industry Enterprise, Merti fruit& vegetable processing plant
03.2007 - 12.2011
Technical Manager - Upper Awash Agro Industry Enterprise, Merti fruit& vegetable processing plant
10.2005 - 03.2007
Mechanical Engineer - Upper Awash Agro Industry Enterprise, Merti fruit& vegetable processing plant
12.2003 - 10.2005
University of South Africa - Master of Arts, Business Leadership
Jimma University - B.Sc. degree in mechanical engineering,
ABIOT TESFAYE MEKURIA