Mill Manager

Confidential; Kalimantan Barat; On-site; IDR 1,200,000,000 - 1,800,000,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mill Manager at Confidential oversees the palm oil mill’s operations, maintenance, safety and cost efficiency at the Kalimantan location. You will lead engineering, monitor KPI performance, and drive continuous improvement across processing and utilities in a site-based environment.

Relocation to Kalimantan is required; strong leadership, problem-solving, and decisive decision-making are essential. Indonesian work permission and the ability to work in remote conditions are preferred.

Qualifications

• Degree, Diploma or recognised technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical/Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Palm Oil Milling or related discipline.
• Preferably 10+ years in palm oil mill operations with 3–5 years in senior mill leadership.
• Strong exposure to both processing and engineering/maintenance operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall day-to-day operation of the palm oil mill.
• Monitor and optimise mill throughput, utilisation and processing capacity.
• Drive safety, cost efficiency and equipment reliability.
• Plan and manage major repairs, shutdowns and maintenance works.
• Oversee budgeting, cost control and spare-parts management.
• Prepare and review mill performance reports and KPIs.

Skills

Palm oil mill experience

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Remote operational leadership

Education

Degree, Diploma or recognised technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical/Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Palm Oil Milling or related discipline

Job description

Job Purpose

The Mill Manager is responsible for the overall management, operational performance, maintenance, safety, cost efficiency and reliability of the palm oil mill.

The successful candidate must be willing to relocate and reside at the assigned operational location in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Key Responsibilities

1. Mill Operations

• Lead and manage the overall day-to-day operation of the palm oil mill.
• Ensure smooth and efficient processing of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB).
• Monitor and optimise mill throughput, utilisation and processing capacity.
• Drive achievement of key operational targets including OER, KER, processing losses, downtime and product quality.
• Identify operational issues and implement timely corrective actions.

2. Maintenance & Engineering

• Ensure all mill machinery, equipment and utilities are maintained in reliable operating condition.
• Establish and monitor preventive and predictive maintenance programmes.
• Minimise breakdowns and unplanned downtime.
• Lead troubleshooting of major mechanical, electrical and processing issues.
• Plan and manage major repairs, shutdowns and equipment improvement works.

3. Process Efficiency & Continuous Improvement

• Continuously review mill performance and identify opportunities to improve productivity and extraction efficiency.
• Monitor oil and kernel losses and implement improvement initiatives.
• Optimise consumption of steam, electricity, water, fuel and other resources.
• Drive operational improvement, automation and digitalisation initiatives where applicable.

4. People Management

• Lead and develop the mill team to ensure effective manpower deployment and performance.
• Build a disciplined, capable and collaborative workforce.
• Ensure mill operations comply with safety, health and environmental requirements.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure timely corrective actions on any incidents or non-compliance.

6. Budget & Cost Management

• Prepare and manage the mill operating and maintenance budgets.
• Monitor labour, repair and maintenance, spare parts, consumables and utility costs.
• Ensure effective inventory and spare-parts management.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency without compromising operational reliability or safety.

7. Reporting & Performance Management

• Prepare and review daily, weekly and monthly mill performance reports.
• Monitor key performance indicators and address areas below target.
• Provide regular updates to management on mill performance, maintenance, manpower and costs.

Job Requirements

Education

• Degree, Diploma or recognised technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical/Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Palm Oil Milling or related discipline.

Experience

• Preferably 10 years or more of relevant experience in palm oil mill operations.
• At least 3–5 years in a Mill Manager or equivalent senior mill leadership position.
• Proven experience managing the full operation of a palm oil mill.
• Strong exposure to both processing and engineering/maintenance operations.

Technical Knowledge

Strong working knowledge of:

• FFB reception and grading
• Threshing
• Digestion and pressing
• Clarification
• Oil purification and storage
• Nut and kernel recovery
• Boiler and steam generation
• Turbine and power generation
• Water treatment
• Effluent/POME treatment

Good understanding of key mill performance indicators including:

• OER
• KER
• Oil and kernel losses
• FFA
• Throughput
• Mill utilisation
• Processing cost
• Strong operational and technical leadership.
• Hands‑on with strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Able to lead teams effectively in a remote operational environment.
• Cost‑conscious with a strong focus on performance and efficiency.

Location & Mobility Requirement

• Must be willing to work and reside in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
• Must be comfortable working in a site-based and remote operational environment.
• Willing to travel to other operational locations when required.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Strong hands‑on palm oil mill experience.
• Proven experience managing an entire mill independently.
• Demonstrated ability to improve OER, KER, processing losses, downtime and cost.
• Experience managing both processing and engineering/maintenance functions.
• Previous working experience in Indonesia or other remote plantation/milling environments is an advantage.
• Ability to communicate in Bahasa Indonesia or Bahasa Malaysia in addition to English is preferred.

Nationality:

Open to suitably qualified candidates, subject to applicable Indonesian employment and work permit requirements.