Leaf Quality & Operations Director

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Leaf Quality & Operations Director

What this position is about – Purpose

The Leaf Quality & Operations Director leads the end-to-end Tanzania Leaf function across leaf quality, green leaf procurement and classification, buying locations, tobacco receiving, warehousing, internal logistics, processing, inventory, packed tobacco shipping and related administration. The role formulates and executes the Leaf and Operations Annual Strategic Plans, pricing and quality direction, volume and yield plans, latest estimates and market-floor strategies while ensuring JTI Global quality requirements are achieved at competitive value. The position is accountable for quality index, value index, packed quality index, volume, price stability, commercial yield, NCP, cost management, operational efficiency and EHS compliance from green leaf through processing, packing, storage and shipping. It also builds capability across direct and indirect teams, strengthens talent development, and ensures policies, procedures and continuous-improvement initiatives are embedded across Leaf Quality and Leaf Operations.

What will you do - Responsibilities:

• Strategic planning and business delivery: formulate and execute the Leaf and Operations Annual Strategic Plan covering green pricing, volume requirements, quality direction, expected volumes, yield analysis, ASP/LE documentation and market-trend assumptions; provide regular performance feedback and management reporting.
• Green leaf procurement, buying locations and classification: manage tobacco purchasing at buying stations and market floors; implement market strategy; guide buying teams on external grades and internal classifications; ensure JTI policies, external grade nomenclature, global grade specifications and quality standards are applied consistently.
• Processing, blending, inventory and warehousing: oversee blends and processing specifications, stalk mill processing, grade usability, green and packed tobacco inventory, warehousing, traceability and storage in Leaf Point and SAP; ensure packed tobacco shipping is planned and executed to local and global requirements. Oversee annual processing and shipping plans, and monthly deadlines of the Finance department. 
• Operations, logistics and administration: plan and manage tobacco receiving, dispatch, internal logistics, warehouse process flows, administration and operational reporting, including daily/weekly buying percentages and volumes, green volume targets and intakes, inventory movements and other management reports.
• Quality, cost and continuous improvement: monitor and review PQI, quality index, value index, volume, price stability, yield, NCP, CPK, infestation/housekeeping, NTRM and cost KPIs; analyze performance with processing management and establish corrective actions and improvement projects.
• EHS, sustainability and compliance: promote positive and proactive EHS culture; participate in EHS management reviews; ensure staff follow factory EHS rules, hazard identification, management-of-change controls and relevant sustainability initiatives including SRP/MAS/CPA.
• People leadership and capability development: recruit, motivate, guide and develop direct and indirect teams; build leaf knowledge and skills through training programs, coaching, communication and engagement; create a strong talent pipeline for Leaf Quality and Operations.
• Stakeholder management and projects: liaise with Agronomy, EHS, factory processing, Finance, JTI HQ / Inbound and management teams to align buying, classification, processing, shipping and improvement plans; manage additional tasks and projects as required.

Whom are we looking for – Requirements:

• University degree in Agriculture or equivalent preferred; Supported by substantial relevant tobacco industry and Operations Experience.
• 8-10 years minimum in the tobacco industry across tobacco buying, procurement, classification, processing, leaf production and operations, including at least 8 years in management role.
• English; computer literate with MS Office products and relevant systems such as SAP, BW and Leaf Point.
• Leadership of multi-disciplinary Leaf Quality and Operations teams; high-level communication; strategic planning; quick and decisive operational decision-making; strong knowledge of tobacco grading, classification, warehousing, logistics, processing, inventory, quality systems, EHS and cost control.

Are you ready to join us? Build your success story at JTI. Apply now!

Next Steps:

After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with Talent Advisor > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.

At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support, alternative formats, or have other access requirements, please let us know.