Role Overview:

The Factory Manager will oversee all factory operations ensuring efficient tea processing, packaging, and storage. This role includes managing the Production Section for processing and packaging, the Maintenance Section for equipment upkeep, and the Warehouse Section for storing packaged tea. The Factory Manager shall ensure that production schedules meet demand, ensure compliance with quality standards at all point in the production process, and maintain optimal inventory levels. This position reports to the General Manager.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Production Management:

• Operational Oversight: Supervise all stages of tea processing, including withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, sorting, packing, and timely dispatch, ensuring alignment with production schedules and quality standards.
• Process Optimization: Implement best practices to enhance efficiency, improve quality, and reduce waste in production processes.
• Resource Allocation: Manage the allocation of raw materials and labour to meet production targets effectively
• Performance Metrics: Establish key performance indicators to monitor process improvements and operational success.

2. Packaging Oversight:

• Quality Control: Ensure all packaged products meet company and industry standards for labelling, sealing, and presentation.
• Efficiency Monitoring: Oversee packaging line operations to maintain high efficiency and promptly address any bottlenecks.
• Inventory Coordination: Collaborate with inventory management to ensure adequate stock and efficient use of packaging materials.

3. Quality Control

• Standards Development: Collaborate with quality controllers to establish and execute quality control processes in the entire production process.
• Compliance Auditing: Conduct regular inspections and testing to maintain tea quality and consistency, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on industry best practices and integrate them into the factory’s quality control processes.

4. Factory Maintenance:

• Preventive Maintenance: Develop and implement a preventive maintenance schedule to minimize equipment downtime and extend machinery lifespan.
• Team Supervision: Lead the maintenance team, providing training and resources to handle repairs and upkeep effectively.
• Vendor Management: Coordinate with external service providers for specialized equipment maintenance and repairs.

5. Inventory and Warehouse Management:

• Storage Optimization: Design and implement efficient storage solutions to maximize warehouse space and maintain product quality.
• Inventory Accuracy: Conduct regular inventory counts and promptly reconcile discrepancies.
• Logistics Coordination: Oversee the scheduling of inbound and outbound shipments in collaboration with Estate Manager and Commercial Manager, ensuring timely delivery and receipt of goods

6. Team Leadership and Development

• Training: Train all factory workers, ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Performance Evaluation: Conduct regular performance reviews, providing feedback and development plans for team members.
• Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve workplace conflicts promptly to maintain a harmonious work environment.

7. Stakeholder Communication:

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with finance, procurement, estate and commercial teams to align production with market demands.
• Client Relations: Collaborate with Commercial team to engage with key clients to understand their needs and ensure the factory’s output meets their expectations.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates to senior management on operational performance, challenges, and strategic initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Grade 12 Certificate with five (5) O Levels.     
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Production Management, Food Science, Food Technology or a related field.     
• Professional membership to a relevant body.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of work experience in management or similar position.

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Application Process:

Qualified candidates who are eager to contribute to the success of Kawambwa Tea Industries Limited and are willing to be based in Kawambwa District, Luapula Province, should submit the following documents: ✔️ Application letter addressed to the General Manager. ✔️ Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with three (3) traceable referees. ✔️ Proof of membership to a relevant professional body. ✔️ Copy of National Registration Card (NRC). ✔️Take note that if you are successful, verified qualifications from Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZQA) will be required before the job offer.

All applications are online by filling in the following the form: https://forms.office.com/r/Xs2GuPiRen

The deadline for receiving applications shall be 16^th March 2025.