About Company
Tanganda Tea Company Ltd is a prestigious, publicly listed agro-industrial company in Zimbabwe, renowned for its heritage and leadership in the production and distribution of tea, coffee, macadamia nuts, avocados, and bottled water. With roots tracing back to 1910, Tanganda has grown to become a cornerstone of the Zimbabwean agricultural sector, deeply committed to sustainable farming practices, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. Our expansive estates across Manicaland Province are home to state-of-the-art processing facilities and a dedicated workforce, all contributing to our mission of delivering premium quality products to both local and international markets. We pride ourselves on innovation, operational excellence, and our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our employees and the communities we serve. Joining Tanganda means becoming part of a legacy of quality, sustainability, and growth in one of Africa’s most vibrant agricultural landscapes.
Job Description
Tanganda Tea Company Ltd is seeking an exceptional and visionary Director of Research & Development to lead our innovation efforts, drive sustainable growth, and enhance our competitive edge. Based in the heart of Manicaland Province, this strategic leadership role will be pivotal in shaping the future of our diverse product portfolio, including tea, coffee, macadamia nuts, and avocados. The Director of R&D will be responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing research initiatives that span agricultural practices, product development, processing technologies, and quality improvement. You will lead a talented team, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, innovation, and collaboration across departments such as agriculture, production, marketing, and sales. This role demands a forward-thinking leader who can translate scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable products and sustainable operational improvements. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of agro-processing, food science, and modern agricultural techniques, coupled with a proven track record of successful project management and team leadership. Your contributions will directly impact our product quality, market expansion, and our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and socio-economic development within the Manicaland region.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive R&D strategy aligned with Tanganda's long-term business objectives and market demands.
- Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing R&D team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Oversee the entire lifecycle of new product development, from concept generation and feasibility studies to pilot production and commercialization.
- Drive research into sustainable agricultural practices, climate change resilience, soil health, and pest/disease management relevant to tea, coffee, macadamia, and avocado crops.
- Optimize existing processing technologies and explore novel methods to enhance product quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with national and international regulatory standards, food safety protocols, and quality assurance guidelines.
- Manage the R&D budget, resources, and intellectual property portfolio effectively.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with agricultural operations, production, sales, and marketing teams to ensure seamless integration of R&D initiatives.
- Identify and evaluate new technologies, ingredients, and market trends to maintain Tanganda's competitive advantage.
- Represent the company in scientific forums, industry associations, and academic collaborations.
Required Skills
- PhD or Master's degree in Food Science, Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific field.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Research & Development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or directorial role, preferably within the agriculture or food processing industry.
- Demonstrated expertise in new product development, process optimization, and scientific project management.
- Strong understanding of agricultural practices, crop science, and sustainable farming principles.
- Proven track record of driving innovation and bringing successful products to market.
- Exceptional leadership, team-building, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and make data-driven decisions.
- Proficiency in budget management and resource allocation.
- Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g., ISO, HACCP) and food safety regulations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience specifically within the tea, coffee, macadamia, or avocado industries.
- Knowledge of the Zimbabwean agricultural landscape, local regulations, and indigenous crop varieties.
- Experience with advanced analytical techniques and sensory evaluation.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English and an indigenous language (e.g., Shona, Ndebele) is an advantage.
- Published research or patents in relevant fields.
Perks & Benefits
- Highly competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
- Generous paid time off and leave policies.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development, training, and conferences.
- Relocation assistance and housing support for eligible candidates.
- Pension and retirement savings plans.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on sustainable agriculture and rural development in Zimbabwe.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment within a reputable, long-standing company.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria are encouraged to apply by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your resume and cover letter highlight your relevant experience and qualifications for this pivotal role. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.