Established in 1960, Mulindi Tea Factory (MFC) holds a pioneering legacy in Rwanda’s tea industry as the largest, oldest and first 100% smallholder-owned factory in the region, with an impressive capacity of 5,000 MT of tea production. We are seeking a dynamic and purposeful leader to take on the role of Director General, overseeing the company’s operations and ensuring that MFC’s teas meet the highest quality standards and remain competitive in the global market.
Job Purpose:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Director General (DG) is responsible for overseeing the operations, financial performance, and implementation of strategy of the Mulindi Factory Company (MFC). The DG will lead the team in ensuring efficient production, cost and quality control, and innovation while meeting organizational goals and complying with industry standards. This role demands high-level leadership, business acumen, and a deep understanding of the tea production process including both field agronomy and manufacture. The DG will also be responsible for providing technical guidance, building strong relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with local and international regulations. The DG will be based at MFC in Gicumbi District, Northern Province, Rwanda.
Key Responsibilities
Overall Management and Operations
- Lead the MFC Business, overseeing operations and providing adequate technical guidance to respective teams, ensuring alignment with set KPIs and operational targets.
- Manage key functional areas such as HR, legal, procurement, logistics, and administration for smooth business operations.
- Participate in MFC Board meetings and AGMs, representing management and providing necessary updates.
- Work closely with the Finance Manager on all financial aspects, including budget development and implementation, strategic business planning, and ensuring compliance with regulations and audits.
- Mentor and guide the field and factory management teams to build capacity and promote continuous development.
- Maintain high ethical standards and integrity across all business practices.
Strategic Development
- Drive the business toward achieving key performance targets and profitability in line with annual budgets and long-term strategic goals.
- Collaborate with the Board and other functional managers on the development and execution of the strategic vision for the factory.
- Advise on technical and operational matters, helping shape the factory’s business plans and providing solutions to any challenges faced.
Administration and Compliance
- Ensure all regulatory requirements are met for smooth field and factory operations, including business licenses, permits, and certifications in compliance with the Government of Rwanda’s rules and regulations.
- Maintain tea industry certifications and pursue continuous improvements in quality assurance.
- Ensure proper insurance coverage is in place for factory operations as required.
- Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders such as the Government of Rwanda, the Rwanda Tea Association, local leaders, smallholder farmers, and farmer directors.
- Keep MFC farmer directors well-informed on key business and board matters.
Finance
- Support and guide the Finance Manager on financial oversight, including budgeting and capital expenditure planning to ensure alignment with business plans.
- Collaborate with the Finance Manager to oversee all external and internal audits, ensuring effective risk assurance, performance audits, and compliance audits are conducted.
- Advise the management and Board on any significant changes in financial conditions or operational plans.
Quality Assurance and Innovation
- Oversee the implementation of rigorous quality control systems in field and factory, and continuously assess processes to meet national and international quality standards.
- Work with the Tea Marketing and Sales unit to ensure feedback from buyers and brokers is immediately considered and if necessary, communicated downstream to the appropriate members of the MFC Team. Likewise, ensure key partners are aware of field and factory upgrades and how these are contributing to an improved leaf and liquor.
- Ensure the team is actively involved in identifying new market opportunities and refining product offerings.
Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting
- Regularly communicate with the Board of Directors, presenting comprehensive reports on factory performance, financials, and key initiatives.
- Engage with external stakeholders, such as industry organizations, local governments, and the public, to foster positive relationships and ensure the company’s objectives align with market expectations.
- Monitor proper communication channels between MFC, Cooperatives, farmer representatives and all other stakeholders in the tea business.
Key Qualifications
- University Degree in Food Science and Technology, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Biochemistry, Agri-business, Finance, Business Administration/ Management, or its equivalent qualification.
- A Master’s degree in Agriculture, Economics or business-related field would be an advantage.
- At least ten (10) years’ knowledge and experience in a relevant field, preferably in the tea industry or similar manufacturing sectors, three to five of which should have been in a senior leadership role within a large organization.
- Knowledge of the tea industry, including best practices in tea production processes, quality control, certifications, and regulatory compliance.
- In-depth financial management experience, including budgeting, cost control, and capital expenditure planning.
- Proven track record of leadership, financial management, and operational excellence with the ability to drive teams toward common goals and improve operational efficiency.
- Be a Member in good standing with a relevant professional body where applicable.
- Should have thorough knowledge of the tea industry/sector as well as knowledge of regulatory requirements affecting the sector.
- Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders, including government bodies, industry partners, and employees.
- Should demonstrate the ability to identify and respond to potential risk areas within the factory.
- Should have effective people management and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities. Fluency in English is required while proficiency in Kinyarwanda is an additional benefit.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize and work under strict deadlines.
- Good Planning, analytical and reporting skills with the ability to work under pressure, prioritize, and multi-task.
Location
The role shall be based full time at the Mulindi Factory Company in Gicumbi District, Northern Province.
Job Application procedure
All interested and qualified candidates are invited to send their applications with a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, copies of their academic and professional certificates via the apply button no later than 25th May 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Click here to visit the website source
