Required Operations Executive in Harare, Zimbabwe
Job Summary
We are looking for a driven and highly organised Operations Executive to oversee and coordinate the full operational scope of our newly established company in Harare Zimbabwe. This is a hands-on cross-functional role that sits at the heart of the business connecting warehouse management commodity trading operations logistics coordination and procurement. The ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of agricultural commodity trading the ability to manage multiple moving parts simultaneously and a track record of keeping operations running efficiently and cost-effectively in a fast-paced trading environment.
- Oversee day-to-day warehouse operations including receipt storage and dispatch of agri commodities and goods.
- Ensure the warehouse is organised clean compliant with safety standards and operating at optimal capacity.
- Supervise warehouse staff and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling and storage.
- Coordinate real-time stock movements and ensure all inbound and outbound goods are properly documented.
- Conduct regular and surprise stock counts and reconcile physical stock against system records.
- Monitor commodity storage conditions (moisture temperature pest control) to prevent spoilage or losses.
- Maintain accurate records of lot numbers grades weights and origins of all commodities in storage.
- Coordinate the operational execution of commodity trades from contract confirmation through to delivery and settlement.
- Liaise with traders buyers and sellers to ensure timely fulfilment of trade contracts.
- Monitor trade positions against available stock and flag shortfalls or surpluses to management.
- Prepare and verify all trade-related documentation including contracts weigh tickets grade certificates delivery notes and invoices.
- Track commodity prices market movements and seasonal availability to support procurement and sales decisions.
- Ensure compliance with commodity exchange rules grading standards and regulatory requirements for traded produce.
- Plan and coordinate the movement of commodities from farm gate depots or supplier sites to the warehouse and onward to buyers.
- Manage relationships with transporters clearing agents and freight forwarders for both domestic and cross-border shipments.
- Negotiate transport rates and ensure cost-effective routing of all deliveries and collections.
- Track all outbound and inbound shipments in real time and resolve delays or disruptions proactively.
- Manage import and export documentation including phytosanitary certificates customs declarations and permits.
- Ensure all transport service providers comply with weight limits road regulations and company safety standards.
- Maintain a transport schedule and vehicle utilisation log for fleet or contracted vehicles.
- Source and procure agri commodities packaging materials equipment and operational supplies at competitive prices.
- Develop and maintain a reliable supplier and farmer network across key growing regions in Zimbabwe.
- Negotiate procurement contracts pricing terms and payment schedules with suppliers and farmers.
- Conduct supplier evaluations and due diligence to ensure quality reliability and compliance.
- Raise purchase orders track deliveries and resolve discrepancies in quantity or quality upon receipt.
- Monitor market prices and seasonal availability to time procurement strategically and minimise input costs.
- Work closely with the accounts team to manage procurement budgets payment terms and outstanding liabilities.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of key Zimbabwean agri commodities including maize wheat soya groundnuts tobacco cotton and sunflower.
- Understand grading standards moisture content requirements and quality specifications for each commodity.
- Stay informed on seasonal production cycles crop calendars and procurement windows across Zimbabwes farming regions.
- Track domestic and regional commodity prices (ZIMACE GMB regional markets) and provide market intelligence to management.
- Support the business in managing commodity price risk through timing of procurement and sales.
- Serve as the central point of coordination between the warehouse trading desk logistics accounts and management.
- Prepare daily weekly and monthly operational reports covering stock levels logistics status procurement activity and trade execution.
- Identify operational bottlenecks and propose process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
- Maintain all operational records contracts and documentation in an orderly and accessible filing system.
- Ensure all operations comply with relevant Zimbabwean regulations including ZIMRA EMA and ZIMACE requirements.
- Manage relationships with key stakeholders including the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) ZIMACE and other relevant authorities.
- Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain Management Logistics Agriculture Business Administration or a related field (required).
- Diploma or certificate in Procurement Logistics or Commodity Trading (an added advantage).
- Minimum 36 years of hands-on operations experience in a trading agribusiness logistics or commodity-related environment.
- Proven experience managing warehouse operations and commodity stock.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate logistics for bulk agri commodity movements domestic and cross-border.
- Experience in procurement with a track record of supplier negotiation and cost management.
- Practical exposure to agri commodity trading in Zimbabwe is strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite particularly Excel for stock tracking reporting and data analysis.
- Familiarity with inventory or warehouse management systems (WMS) or ERP platforms.
- Knowledge of import/export documentation and customs procedures in Zimbabwe and the region (SADC).
- Understanding of commodity grading systems and agricultural quality standards.
- Ability to read and interpret trade contracts delivery orders and logistics documentation.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously under pressure.
- Strong negotiation skills comfortable dealing with farmers transporters and suppliers.
- Proactive problem-solver who anticipates operational issues before they escalate.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional coordination.
- Willingness to travel to farming areas depots and supplier sites as required.
- High integrity and accountability in managing company assets stock and supplier relationships.
- Competitive salary of USD 700 USD 1400/month negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
- Opportunity to be a founding team member and build the operations function from the ground up.
- Wide exposure across the full agri commodity trading value chain procurement warehousing logistics and trade execution.
- Travel allowance for field and depot visits.
- Supportive leadership and a high-growth trading environment with strong career development prospects.
Required Skills:
We are looking for a driven and highly organised Operations Executive to oversee and coordinate the full operational scope of our newly established company in Harare Zimbabwe. This is a hands-on cross-functional role that sits at the heart of the business connecting warehouse management commodity trading operations logistics coordination and procurement. The ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of agricultural commodity trading the ability to manage multiple moving parts simultaneously and a track record of keeping operations running efficiently and cost-effectively in a fast-paced trading environment
Required Education:
Graduation in Supply Chain