Joseph Chilala

Maintenance/Engineering Manager

Joseph Chilala is a results-driven engineering and operations leader with extensive experience in production engineering, plant management, mining operations, and manufacturing excellence. With a solid academic foundation that includes an MBA and MSc in Engineering Management, he combines strong technical expertise with strategic business acumen to deliver measurable performance improvements across complex operational environments.

Throughout his career, Joseph has successfully led multi-disciplinary teams and large-scale assets, overseeing maintenance strategies, plant optimization initiatives, capital projects, and operational turnarounds. His leadership at Maloma Colliery resulted in a 44% increase in processed coal output, improved plant uptime, and the successful execution of critical infrastructure and optimization projects all delivered on time and within budget.

At Yalelo Zambia, he played a pivotal role in transforming production and cold-chain operations, increasing frozen fish output nearly threefold through innovative equipment modification and real-time monitoring systems. His earlier roles in planning, excellence, and commercial engineering further strengthened asset reliability, reduced repeat maintenance jobs, improved project cost efficiency, and embedded continuous improvement systems such as 5S and CMMS best practices.

Currently, as Group Plant Director at Inyatsi Group Holdings, Joseph holds overall accountability for plant performance across group entities, guiding policy development, asset renewal, major overhauls, and long-term sustainability strategies. Known for leading first-time projects and driving operational excellence, he is a strategic, hands-on leader committed to delivering value, efficiency, and sustainable growth.