General Manager (Manufacturing) - Non-Woven Bags

About the role

Shugulika Africa Limited is looking for a General Manager to oversee the full operations of its non-woven bags manufacturing facility in Zanzibar. The role covers production, quality control, supply chain, sales coordination, financial performance and team leadership, and calls for a strategic thinker with strong manufacturing expertise who can drive efficiency, profitability and sustainable growth.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee daily factory operations and production planning to meet customer demand and deadlines, while optimizing processes, maintaining machinery and minimizing downtime
• Set and enforce quality standards, monitor production KPIs and run continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing and 5S, in line with health, safety and environmental standards
• Prepare and manage budgets and cost-control systems, drive profitability and revenue growth, and manage procurement of raw materials and supplier relationships
• Manage inventory, align production with market demand, support key clients (especially bulk and corporate) and ensure timely delivery
• Lead, mentor and evaluate production staff, supervisors and department heads, and ensure compliance with labour laws and industry standards

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration or a related field; Master's degree is an advantage
• Minimum 7-10 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in packaging, plastics or non-woven products
• At least 3-5 years in a senior management role
• Experience in the non-woven fabric or eco-friendly packaging industry and familiarity with export markets (EU, Middle East, Africa)

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of production processes, quality control and supply chain management
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and process improvement techniques
• Financial acumen, cost management and negotiation skills
• Leadership, decision-making, communication and problem-solving abilities