General Manager

Job description / Role

Location: Kitwe, Zambia
Industry: Food Manufacturing / FMCG / Industrial Bakery
Employment Type: 2 Year (view to extend)

About the Opportunity

Our 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 Overview:

The 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 Responsibilities:

• The 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 factory
• Establishing production and operational strategies to support business growth
• Managing cross-functional teams including production, quality, procurement, and administration
• Ensuring operational efficiency, cost control, and productivity improvement
• Developing supplier relationships for raw materials and packaging
• Implementing food safety standards and quality management systems
• Driving business performance and operational reporting to stakeholders

• The 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.

Benefits:

The 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 Apply

If 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.

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.

About the Company

About Us Helping professionals grow. Supporting businesses thrive.

Black Pearl is a HR consultancy and recruitment firm based in the UAE. We connect skilled professionals with leading organizations across the Gulf region, offering a personalized and thoughtful approach to hiring.

Our team specializes in recruiting for roles across key industries, including but not limited to: - Healthcare and Life Sciences - Engineering and Construction - Technology and Digital - Finance and Accounting - Hospitality and Retail - Government and Emiratization

Whether you’re searching for your next opportunity or looking to hire, we work closely with you to understand your goals and find the right fit.