Job description
Location: Kitwe, ZambiaIndustry: Food Manufacturing / FMCG / Industrial BakeryEmployment Type: 2 Year (view to extend)About the OpportunityOur client, a growing food manufacturing company establishing a new biscuit and bakery production facility in Kitwe, Zambia, is seeking an experienced and strategic General Manager to lead the setup and long-term operations of the business. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior professional with strong leadership experience in the food manufacturing, biscuit production, or industrial bakery sector who is looking to take ownership of a new manufacturing operation in Southern Africa.The successful candidate will play a critical role in establishing the factory, developing the operational structure, building a strong team, and ensuring the business operates efficiently and sustainably. The role requires a leader who is comfortable working in a developing market environment and who has the ability to build processes, systems, and teams from the ground up.Role OverviewThe General Manager will oversee the entire business operation, including manufacturing, supply chain, quality standards, staffing, and overall business performance. The individual will work closely with company stakeholders to implement operational strategies, ensure production targets are met, and establish the company as a competitive manufacturer in the regional bakery and biscuit market.This role requires strong leadership capabilities, operational knowledge of food manufacturing processes, and the ability to manage multiple business functions including production, procurement, quality control, and workforce management.Key ResponsibilitiesThe General Manager will be responsible for leading the setup and operational management of the food manufacturing facility while ensuring the organization achieves its production and commercial objectives. The role includes overseeing production operations, building an efficient workforce, establishing supplier relationships, and implementing quality and food safety standards.The successful candidate will provide leadership to the operations team, manage production planning, monitor operational performance, and ensure that manufacturing processes meet industry standards. They will also be responsible for establishing operational procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and maintaining efficient communication across departments.Key focus areas include:Leading the overall setup and operational management of the factoryEstablishing production and operational strategies to support business growthManaging cross-functional teams including production, quality, procurement, and administrationEnsuring operational efficiency, cost control, and productivity improvementDeveloping supplier relationships for raw materials and packagingImplementing food safety standards and quality management systemsDriving business performance and operational reporting to stakeholdersRequirementsThe ideal candidate will have strong experience in food manufacturing leadership roles, particularly within the biscuit, bakery, snack food, or FMCG production industry. Candidates should have experience managing factory operations and leading teams within a manufacturing environment.Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership, decision-making ability, and operational expertise in food production environments. Experience working in emerging markets or setting up manufacturing operations will be considered a strong advantage.Candidates should also possess excellent organizational skills, strategic thinking ability, and the capacity to manage operational challenges in a growing manufacturing business.BenefitsThe company offers an attractive expatriate support package including company-provided accommodation and medical insurance, along with the opportunity to play a key role in building a new food manufacturing operation in Zambia.How to ApplyIf you are a motivated professional with strong experience in food manufacturing and are looking for an exciting leadership opportunity in Africa, we encourage you to submit your application.To know other vacancies we have, please feel free to visit our website - www.blackpearlconsult.com Disclaimer: Please note that Black Pearl will never ask any of its candidates for any payment in any form in exchange of our service in helping candidates find a job. Our service is free to our candidates and the recruitment fee is paid by our clients. If you receive any emails, SMS or calls requesting you to pay from someone claiming to be an employee of Black Pearl before they can process your application, please report and write an email to [email protected] or contact our office on +9712 6225503.