Manufacturing Excellence Lead at GSM Group of Companies 2025
Company: GSM Group of Companies Business Unit: GSM Beverages Duty Station: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Application Deadline: 25th November 2025
Job Overview
GSM Group of Companies is seeking a transformative leader to join our GSM Beverages unit as the Manufacturing Excellence Lead. This is a senior operational role based in Dar es Salaam, designed for a professional who is passionate about perfection, efficiency, and world-class manufacturing standards.
In the highly competitive beverage industry, operational efficiency is the key differentiator. The Manufacturing Excellence Lead will be the architect of our “Continuous Improvement” (CI) strategy. You will be responsible for transitioning our operations from traditional manufacturing practices to a data-driven, lean, and agile environment. Your primary goal will be to eliminate waste, optimize production costs, and drive the digital transformation of our factory floor through Industry 4.0 initiatives.
Key Roles and Strategic Responsibilities
The role encompasses a blend of technical engineering, strategic planning, and change management. Your core responsibilities will include:
1. Strategic Leadership in Continuous Improvement (CI)
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Methodology Implementation: You will lead the deployment of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies across the plant. You are expected to move beyond theory and implement practical, shop-floor solutions that drive tangible business results.
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Culture Change: Driving a culture of excellence is not just about tools; it is about people. You will foster a mindset where every operator and engineer is actively looking for ways to improve their specific area of work.
2. Operational Performance & KPI Management
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OEE Optimization: Your primary metric of success will be Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). You will analyze availability, performance, and quality losses to identify gaps.
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Yield & Waste Reduction: You will spearhead initiatives to improve raw material yield and drastically reduce production waste. This directly impacts the bottom line and supports the company’s sustainability goals.
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Gap Analysis: continuously identify performance gaps against global benchmarks and design roadmaps to close them.
3. Process Optimization & Problem Solving
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Kaizen Events: You will facilitate regular Kaizen (rapid improvement) events to solve chronic production issues.
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Root Cause Analysis (RCA): You must move the team away from “quick fixes” to deep problem solving. You will lead Root Cause Analysis sessions using tools like 5-Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and FMEA to ensure problems do not recur.
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Process Mapping: Create detailed value stream maps to visualize process flows, identify bottlenecks, and eliminate non-value-added activities.
4. Standardization & Best Practices
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Standard Work: Ensure that improvements are sustained by updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
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Cross-Functional Alignment: You will standardize best practices not just in production, but across engineering, quality assurance, and the wider supply chain to ensure a cohesive operational flow.
5. Capability Building & Training
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Coaching & Mentoring: A key part of your legacy will be the team you build. You will train production teams, supervisors, and managers on CI methodologies (PDCA, DMAIC, 5S).
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Project Monitoring: You will oversee a portfolio of improvement projects, mentoring Green Belts and Yellow Belts to ensure their projects deliver validated financial savings.
6. Digital Transformation & Future-Readiness
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Industry 4.0: You will support the company’s digital transformation journey. This involves identifying opportunities for automation, IoT (Internet of Things) integration, and real-time data analytics to create a “Smart Factory.”
Qualifications and Experience
This is a high-level technical role requiring a blend of academic excellence and proven field experience.
Academic Background:
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A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical), Manufacturing, or a related technical field is mandatory.
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A Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Engineering Management will be considered an added advantage.
Professional Experience:
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7+ years of total experience in manufacturing operations.
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3+ years specifically in a Continuous Improvement (CI) or Lean Leadership role.
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Experience in the FMCG or Beverage industry (bottling lines, processing) is highly desirable.
Certifications:
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Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification is strongly preferred. Candidates with a Green Belt and significant practical experience may be considered.
Technical & Behavioral Skills:
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Analytical Skills: Advanced ability to interpret complex production data and financial metrics.
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Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and budget constraints.
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Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority.
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Software Proficiency: Proficiency in statistical software (Minitab, JMP) and MS Office (Excel, Visio, Project).
Why Join GSM Group?
GSM Group is one of Tanzania’s most dynamic conglomerates. By joining GSM Beverages, you are not just taking a job; you are joining a company that invests in technology and talent. As the Manufacturing Excellence Lead, you will have high visibility with senior management and the opportunity to make a measurable impact on the company’s profitability and efficiency.
How to Apply
Urgent Notice: The deadline for this application is today, 25th November 2025. Interested candidates are advised to apply immediately.
If you are a Black Belt certified professional ready to drive change in a leading beverage company, we want to hear from you.
To submit your application, please follow the link provided below.
