Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Operations/Logistics
- Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the transformation of Procurement, Warehouse and Distribution functions
- Drive efficiency and operational excellence
- Implement smart systems and process improvements
- Strengthen operational capability
- Create an environment focused on exceptional customer service
Requirements
- Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management or a related field
- Proven experience managing Procurement, Warehouse and Distribution functions
- Demonstrated success in implementing business systems, process improvements and operational efficiencies
- Strong commercial, analytical and project management skills
- Excellent leadership and people development abilities
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and ERP systems experience
- Valid driver’s licence
How to Apply
About the Company
Drop Beverage Solutions operates as a prominent service solutions business within Zimbabwe's dynamic market. The company is dedicated to catering specifically to the foodservice sector across all major hubs throughout the country. They specialise in providing tailored beverage solutions, meticulously designed to meet the diverse and unique requirements of their clientele. This commitment ensures that establishments across Zimbabwe have access to comprehensive and efficient beverage services. Their widespread operational reach underscores their integral role in supporting the local hospitality and catering industries.
Tailored Beverages Solutions For Every Need
Website: https://dropbeveragesolutions.co.zw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Strategic Operations Manager role in Zimbabwe's beverage sector?
A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is standard; postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA or Postgraduate Diploma in Operations) are increasingly preferred. Professional certifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or APICS CPIM are valued, especially given Zimbabwe’s growing emphasis on formalised supply chain standards and donor- or export-linked compliance requirements.
What does a typical day look like for a Strategic Operations Manager at a local beverage company like Drop Beverage Solutions?
The role involves coordinating production scheduling with bottling partners, managing cold-chain logistics across provinces (including Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare), and liaising with ZIMRA and the Standards Association of Zimbabwe for product compliance. Daily tasks include reviewing KPI dashboards (e.g., fill-rate, on-time delivery, stock-out frequency), leading cross-functional huddles with sales and warehousing teams, and resolving real-time distribution bottlenecks common in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure-constrained environment.
How does Zimbabwe’s local work culture influence expectations for this role?
Respect for hierarchy and relationship-based decision-making are key — managers are expected to engage respectfully with senior leadership and maintain strong rapport with transport contractors and depot supervisors. Punctuality is valued, but flexibility around power outages, fuel shortages, or road conditions is understood; proactive communication during disruptions is more critical than rigid adherence to schedules.
What realistic career progression paths exist for someone in this role within Zimbabwe’s FMCG/logistics sector?
High performers often progress to Regional Operations Head (covering SADC markets) or General Manager – Supply Chain, particularly with companies expanding into Zambia or Botswana. Some transition into consultancy roles supporting SMEs with ZIMRA customs compliance or cold-chain setup — areas where local regulatory fluency and practical logistics experience are in demand.
What benefits can I realistically expect — e.g., leave, medical aid, pension — in this role within Zimbabwe?
Formal employers typically offer 30 days’ annual leave, statutory sick leave (as per Labour Act), and group medical aid through providers like NSSA-approved schemes or private options such as MBCA or Fidelity Life. Pension contributions follow NSSA requirements, and some larger beverage firms supplement this with voluntary retirement savings plans — though coverage varies significantly between multinational subsidiaries and local distributors.
How should I apply, and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are usually submitted via email or LinkedIn with a tailored CV highlighting quantifiable achievements in inventory turnover, route optimisation, or cost reduction in Zimbabwean contexts. Employers prioritise evidence of navigating local challenges — e.g., managing third-party hauliers under fuel rationing, ensuring shelf-life compliance amid temperature fluctuations, or implementing simple digital tracking tools where ERP systems are limited.