About Company
National Foods Limited is one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most reputable food manufacturing and distribution companies, boasting a heritage that spans over a century. Our unwavering commitment is to produce high-quality, nutritious food products that cater to the evolving needs of consumers across the nation. Our expansive product portfolio includes essential staples such as flour and maize meal, alongside stockfeeds and a wide array of packaged foods, all distributed through an extensive national network that reaches both bustling urban centers and remote rural communities. At National Foods, we are immensely proud of our operational excellence, our deep-rooted commitment to supporting local communities, and our efforts in fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. We firmly believe in empowering our employees and playing a significant role in Zimbabwe’s economic development and ensuring national food security. Our strategic presence in key locations, including Buhera, underscores our dedication to maintaining efficient supply chains and ensuring broad market access for our essential goods.
Job Description
We are actively seeking a highly motivated, meticulous, and experienced Inventory Manager to join our dedicated team operating in Buhera, Manicaland Province. This is a pivotal role that will hold comprehensive responsibility for overseeing all facets of inventory control and management at our Buhera facility. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring optimal stock levels, championing efficient warehouse operations, and upholding impeccably accurate record-keeping. The Inventory Manager will play a crucial part in maintaining the integrity and fluidity of our supply chain, actively working to minimize waste, and facilitating the timely and effective distribution of our essential food products to the local community and surrounding regions. This position demands a proactive individual who possesses exceptional analytical capabilities, an acute attention to detail, and the proven ability to lead and inspire a small team. You will be instrumental in implementing and adhering to industry best practices, skillfully utilizing advanced inventory management software, and fostering seamless collaboration with our procurement, logistics, and sales teams to consistently achieve and exceed business objectives. If you are deeply passionate about operational efficiency, possess a robust background in inventory control, and are eager to make a tangible and significant impact within a dynamic and essential industry, we strongly encourage you to submit your application.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategically manage and meticulously oversee all inventory operations at the Buhera facility, encompassing receiving, secure storage, efficient dispatch, and stringent quality control.
- Proactively develop, implement, and rigorously maintain robust inventory control procedures and industry best practices to ensure unparalleled accuracy, minimize shrinkage, and optimize stock levels for maximum efficiency.
- Conduct regular, thorough physical inventory counts and diligently reconcile any discrepancies with system records, actively investigating and resolving the root causes for variances.
- Continuously monitor stock movement, accurately identify slow-moving or obsolete items, and strategically recommend effective disposal or redistribution strategies.
- Skillfully utilize advanced inventory management software or ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Sage) to accurately track inventory, generate comprehensive reports, and perform data analysis for precise forecasting and strategic planning.
- Effectively coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure the timely replenishment of stock and the efficient, streamlined flow of inbound and outbound materials.
- Directly supervise, professionally train, and actively mentor a team of inventory clerks and warehouse staff, cultivating a strong culture of accountability, safety, and continuous operational improvement.
- Ensure strict compliance with all company policies, rigorous safety regulations, and stringent quality standards throughout all warehouse and inventory areas.
- Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive inventory reports, including detailed stock valuation, accurate turnover rates, and insightful discrepancy analyses for senior management review.
- Implement and meticulously maintain appropriate storage conditions for various product categories to prevent spoilage, damage, or contamination.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 3 years) in inventory management, warehouse operations, or logistics, ideally within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) or agricultural sector.
- Strong foundational understanding of inventory control principles, comprehensive supply chain management, and established warehouse best practices.
- Proficiency in utilizing inventory management software or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Sage).
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills coupled with an unwavering attention to detail.
- Demonstrated effective leadership and team management abilities, with a verifiable track record of motivating and developing staff.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, essential for engaging with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a cohesive team in a dynamic, fast-paced operational environment.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for robust data analysis and reporting.
Preferred Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
- Relevant professional certification in Inventory Management (e.g., CIPS, APICS) is a distinct advantage.
- Practical experience operating forklifts or other essential warehouse equipment, accompanied by relevant certification.
- Familiarity with local regulatory requirements pertaining to warehousing and food storage within Zimbabwe.
- Prior experience successfully working in rural or remote operational environments.
Perks & Benefits
- A highly competitive salary package, commensurate with your experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive medical aid and additional health benefits.
- Attractive performance-based bonuses, recognizing your valuable contributions.
- Significant opportunities for professional development and continuous career growth within a leading national company.
- A supportive, dynamic, and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and teamwork.
- The satisfaction of contributing directly to national food security and local economic development.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are warmly invited to apply for this exciting opportunity by visiting the official National Foods Limited careers page. Please navigate to the ‘Current Vacancies’ section or utilize the general application portal to submit your detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a compelling cover letter. Your cover letter should clearly outline your qualifications, relevant experience, and specific suitability for the Inventory Manager position in Buhera. We strongly encourage all eligible applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible to be considered.