About Company
National Foods Limited is one of Zimbabwe’s largest diversified food manufacturers, with a rich history dating back to 1920. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, nutritious, and affordable food products to millions of consumers across the region. Our extensive product portfolio includes flour, maize meal, cooking oil, rice, pasta, snacks, and stock feeds, distributed under well-known household brands such as Red Seal, Gloria, Pearlenta, and Crispy. We operate state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and are committed to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable practices. At National Foods, we believe in nurturing talent, fostering a collaborative work environment, and making a tangible difference in the communities we serve. Join our team and contribute to feeding the nation.
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Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Food Processing Plant Manager to lead our state-of-the-art processing facility in Harare. This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of plant operations, ensuring the efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of high-quality food products. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with a proven track record in food manufacturing, adept at optimizing processes, managing diverse teams, and upholding stringent quality and safety standards. You will be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements (HACCP, ISO, local health regulations).
As our Plant Manager, you will foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning among your team. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing strategies that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve product consistency. This role requires a strong understanding of food science, processing technologies, and supply chain dynamics within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will collaborate closely with other departments, including Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Commercial, to ensure seamless operations and strategic alignment. If you are a results-oriented professional passionate about food production and leadership, and ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding role with a leading industry player, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily plant operations, ensuring optimal productivity, efficiency, and adherence to production schedules.
- Manage and mentor a diverse team of supervisors, operators, and support staff, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve production targets, optimize resource utilization, and reduce operational costs.
- Ensure strict compliance with all food safety regulations, quality standards (HACCP, ISO 22000), and occupational health & safety guidelines.
- Manage plant budgets, control expenditures, and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives through lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and data-driven decision-making.
- Coordinate with the Maintenance Department to ensure all equipment is in excellent working order, minimizing downtime.
- Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to uphold product quality, conduct root cause analysis for non-conformances, and implement corrective actions.
- Oversee inventory management of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods to prevent stockouts and minimize waste.
- Prepare comprehensive operational reports for senior management, highlighting performance metrics, challenges, and proposed solutions.
- Engage with supply chain partners to ensure timely and quality delivery of raw materials.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive management experience in a food processing or manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated leadership ability with experience managing large teams.
- In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP, GMP) and quality management systems (ISO 22000).
- Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency in production planning, budgeting, and cost control.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree (MBA or equivalent).
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
- Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP).
- Knowledge of local Zimbabwean food industry regulations and standards.
- Prior experience with advanced automation in food processing.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
- Pension and retirement savings plan.
- Company transport or allowance.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Opportunity to work with a market leader in the food industry.
- Supportive and dynamic work environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their detailed CV and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience relevant to this role. Please visit our careers page by clicking the link below and follow the instructions to apply for available positions or submit your application directly if a specific Plant Manager vacancy is listed. We encourage you to highlight your achievements in improving operational efficiency and ensuring food safety.
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