About Company
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and food security initiatives. Established with a mandate to ensure the efficient and orderly marketing of grain and oilseeds, GMB plays a pivotal role in maintaining strategic food reserves, supporting farmer livelihoods, and stabilizing commodity prices across the nation. With a deep commitment to national development, GMB operates a vast network of depots, silos, and administrative offices, facilitating the movement of vital agricultural produce from farm to fork. Our operations are critical to the socio-economic stability of Zimbabwe, requiring a dedicated team that embodies integrity, efficiency, and a passion for public service. We are an organization dedicated to operational excellence and continuous improvement, striving to meet the evolving needs of our stakeholders and the nation, contributing significantly to national food security and economic growth.
Job Description
As the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at our Marondera operations, you will be a strategic leader, instrumental in optimizing the administrative and operational functions of the Grain Marketing Board in Mashonaland East Province. This demanding yet highly rewarding role requires a visionary professional capable of overseeing diverse administrative departments, including human resources, information technology, legal affairs, procurement, and facilities management. You will be responsible for developing and implementing administrative policies, processes, and systems that enhance efficiency, ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, and support the overarching strategic objectives of GMB. The CAO will work closely with the CEO and other senior executives to drive operational excellence, foster a positive work environment, and manage resources effectively to support GMB’s critical mandate. Your leadership will be key in streamlining operations, mitigating risks, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement across our Marondera hub. This role is not merely about maintenance but about strategic foresight and proactive management to ensure GMB’s administrative backbone is robust and responsive to national needs. You will be at the forefront of ensuring GMB Marondera operates with maximum efficiency, transparency, and adherence to the highest standards of governance and service delivery, directly impacting the nation’s food security.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all administrative functions, including HR, IT, Legal, Procurement, and Facilities Management.
- Develop, implement, and monitor administrative policies, procedures, and systems to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with statutory and organizational requirements.
- Manage the administrative budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal allocation of resources to support GMB's strategic goals.
- Lead and mentor a diverse team of administrative professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous development.
- Oversee the management of information technology infrastructure to ensure robust and secure systems that support GMB's operations.
- Ensure strict adherence to legal and regulatory compliance across all administrative activities.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government bodies, suppliers, and community leaders.
- Identify and mitigate operational risks, implementing effective controls and contingency plans.
- Drive initiatives for process improvement and digital transformation within administrative departments.
- Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for the CEO and Board on administrative performance and strategic initiatives.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in senior administrative or operational leadership roles, preferably within a large organization or public sector entity.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively.
- Exceptional strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Profound knowledge of administrative best practices, regulatory compliance, and governance frameworks.
- Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in modern office software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree (MBA, MPA) or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
- Experience working within a parastatal, government agency, or the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe.
- Professional certification in areas such as Human Resources, Project Management, or Procurement.
- Proven track record of successfully implementing large-scale administrative reforms or technology solutions.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Generous retirement and pension scheme.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- A chance to make a significant impact on national food security and economic development.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Relocation assistance for candidates outside of Marondera (if applicable).
How to Apply
To apply for this critical leadership role, please send a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining your qualifications, experience, and suitability for the Chief Administrative Officer position. Your cover letter should explicitly address how your skills align with the responsibilities detailed in this advertisement. Click the link below to send your application via email.