Job summary
The General Manager will lead the NEI Uganda operations, overseeing the full value chain from smallholder farmer sourcing to high-end curing, logistics, and sales. This role balances strategic global business development with hands-on local operational excellence and regulatory stewardship.
Job descriptions & requirements
Executive
Strategy & Governance
- Strategic Growth: Drive NEI Uganda’s growth within the context of a joint venture between Velora Enterprises, NEI Tanzania, and NEI Holdings, defining the local product mix, distribution strategy, and brand presence in alignment with the goals of the NEI Group.
- Board Liaison: Implement decisions and resolutions made by the Board of Directors with a specific focus on Ugandan operations.
- Compliance & Standards: Accountable for all operations and compliance with both international standards (FSSC 22000v6, Rainforest Alliance, Organic, Fairtrade, Halal, Kosher, B Corp, etc.) and local regulatory affairs (URSB, URA, UNBS, etc.).
Operational Excellence
- Facility Management: Oversee the commissioning, maintenance, and day-to-day operations of curing facilities and processing site(s) within Uganda.
- Lean Production: Institute rigorous, lean operations for standardized production of high-quality, all-natural flavor ingredients.
- Supply Chain Expansion: Strengthen the raw material pipeline by managing relationships with Ugandan smallholder farmers, farmer associations, and local processors, to ensure the cost-effective, resilient, and timely supply of materials.
Financial Stewardship & Compliance
- Financial Oversight: Manage the Ugandan P&L, including cash flow, resource allocation, and local investment decisions, within delegated authority levels.
- Statutory Compliance: Ensure timely payments and reporting to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Local District Councils, and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
- Corporate Secretarial: Maintain updated records with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and ensure all operating licenses (e.g., trading licenses, environmental permits, product standards registration) are valid.
Market Development & Representation
- Global Export: Support the launch of export-ready products by ensuring Ugandan-sourced ingredients meet global food safety standards and customer quality specifications.
- External Relations: Act as the primary face of the company in Uganda when engaging with the Ministry of Agriculture (MAAIF), the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB), donors, and trade associations (e.g., VANEX).
- Business Development: Collaborate with global partners and distributors to drive sales and identify new market opportunities for the Company’s Ugandan-origin products.
Leadership & ESG
- Talent Management: Recruit and mentor a high-performing local "Top Team" across production, quality assurance, logistics, and finance.
- ESG Integration: Enact robust Environmental, Social, and Governance practices, aligned to recognised standards such as EcoVadis, and specifically focusing on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Requirement & Skills
- Master’s degree (MBA, MSc in Agribusiness, or International Business) preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agriculture, or Food Science is a minimum requirement.
- At least 10+ years in senior management; 5+ years in Agribusiness/Food Export.
- Working knowledge or certification in FSSC 22000, HACCP, or ISO 22000. Familiarity with sustainability certifications like Rainforest Alliance or B Corp is highly desirable.
- Proven experience managing operations within East Africa (ideally Uganda) is critical for navigating local regulatory bodies (URA, UNBS, URSB).
- Experience managing a business unit with a significant budget, including financial reporting, cash flow management, and resource allocation.
- A track record of moving products into global markets, with a deep understanding of international shipping and trade compliance.
- Clear understanding of Ugandan labor laws, tax codes, and export regulations.
- Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma to drive "Operational Excellence" in the curing facilities.
- Ability to lead a diverse local team while reporting to international shareholders.
How to Apply:
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