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National Foods Limited Zimbabwe is seeking an operationally strong, commercially minded and people-centred leader to take up the role of Unit Manager – Pasta Business Unit . The position offers a key leadership opportunity for a high-potential manufacturing professional to deliver safe, efficient and cost-effective operations while building a capable and engaged team.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Operations Management
- Closing Date: 2026-08-28
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the Pasta Business Unit to deliver agreed production volumes, product quality, food safety, safety and cost targets.
- Driving disciplined day-to-day operations, ensuring plant reliability, effective shift performance, sound planning and strong execution on the factory floor.
- Managing budgets, yields, waste, labour productivity and other key cost drivers to improve unit profitability and operational discipline.
- Identifying and implementing continuous improvement initiatives that improve efficiency, throughput, quality, safety and customer service.
- Building a strong, accountable team through visible leadership, coaching, performance management and capability development.
- Ensuring full compliance with food safety, quality, health, safety, environmental, statutory and internal governance requirements.
Requirements
- A relevant Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Industrial Engineering, Production Management, Operations, Business Management or a related discipline.
- A professional qualification in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations, Lean/Continuous Improvement or Leadership Management will be an added advantage.
- 5+ years’ experience in manufacturing or FMCG, preferably in a high-volume production environment.
- A track record of improving production performance, managing costs, leading cross-functional teams and delivering results through people.
- At least 3 years’ experience leading teams in a production, operations or plant management environment.
- Strong leadership, commercial awareness, analytical ability, financial discipline and decision-making skills, with a clear commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
How to Apply
Apply by email: [email protected]
About the Company
National Foods Ltd is a leading food manufacturing company with substantial operations throughout Zimbabwe. The company effectively manages and operates manufacturing sites situated in the key cities of Harare and Bulawayo, ensuring widespread product distribution. A significant employer, National Foods Ltd recognises its workforce, with its non-managerial employees being beneficiaries of a dedicated Trust. This entity plays a crucial role in the national food supply chain, contributing to both the economy and local livelihoods. It operates as a core component of the broader National Foods Holdings Limited group.
Nourishing Zimbabwe with quality food products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Unit Manager in Zimbabwe's pasta business unit?
A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Food Science, Operations Management, or a related field is commonly required. Professional certifications such as those from the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) or Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) are valued, especially if aligned with food manufacturing standards like HACCP or ISO 22000. Local employers also look favourably on postgraduate diplomas in operations or food industry management offered by Zimbabwean institutions like UZ or NUST.
What does a typical day look like for a Unit Manager in a pasta production unit in Zimbabwe?
The role involves daily production planning, supervising line supervisors and machine operators, monitoring quality control checks (e.g., moisture content, weight consistency), and coordinating with procurement and logistics teams to manage raw material (wheat flour, semolina) supply amid local import constraints. You’ll also conduct safety briefings, review shift reports, and liaise with QA and regulatory bodies like the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) for compliance.
How does Zimbabwe’s work culture influence expectations for this role?
Respect for hierarchy and formal communication with senior management is expected, though collaborative problem-solving with shop-floor staff is increasingly valued. Punctuality, reliability, and adaptability to infrastructure challenges — such as load-shedding affecting production schedules — are critical, and managers are often expected to demonstrate leadership through personal presence on the floor rather than remote oversight.
What realistic career progression paths exist after serving as a Unit Manager in Zimbabwe’s food manufacturing sector?
Successful Unit Managers may progress to Plant Manager, Operations Director, or General Manager roles within National Foods or similar FMCG firms like Innscor or Olivine. Some transition into regional roles across SADC markets, while others pursue entrepreneurship in value-added food processing, supported by government initiatives like ZIMCO or the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
What benefits are typically offered to Unit Managers in Zimbabwean food manufacturing companies?
Standard benefits include 30 days’ annual leave, medical aid coverage (often through providers like NSSA-approved schemes or private insurers such as Fidelity Life), and pension contributions under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) framework. Some employers offer housing allowances, transport support, and performance-based bonuses tied to production efficiency and waste reduction targets.
How should I apply, and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are usually submitted via email or company portals with a tailored CV highlighting experience in food production, team leadership, and compliance with Zimbabwean food regulations. Employers prioritise demonstrable experience in managing high-volume manufacturing environments, familiarity with local supply chain realities (e.g., wheat import dependencies), and evidence of continuous improvement initiatives like lean manufacturing or Six Sigma applied in a Zimbabwean context.