Position: Application Group Manager (Harare)

Company: Nestlé Zimbabwe

Job Location: Harare Factory, Zimbabwe

Required Qualification: Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Technology / Food Science / Process Engineering / Chemical Engineering   

Required Experience: Minimum of 5 – 8 years’ expertise in product development or Research & Development with strong knowledge of the product category and its technologies.
Application Closing Date:  6 July 2026

Position Summary

With a history spanning over 150 years, Nestlé didn’t become the world’s leading food and beverages brand by chance. Perfection is at the heart of what we do, and our people are always looking for the next big idea to cement our status. We are now looking to fill the role of an Application Group Manager to be based at our Harare Factory, Zimbabwe.

The Application Group Manager will manage all aspects related to: Innovation and renovation of products at desired quality and cost within agreed time frame; New technologies, process optimization, efficiency improvements, reduction of COGS and production costs; Compliance of new, renovated and existing products; and technical training of Production Staff.

A Day in the Life of an Application Group Manager:

I&R Excellence:

• Lead and manage the AG team to deliver on I&R projects as per the I&R pipeline and priorities agreed with the BU and by working in cross-functional team.
• Ensure projects are completed within agreed time frame and at the desired quality, while meeting cost targets.
• Contribute to NPDI briefs with Marketing and I&R Manager
• Ensure proper documentation of I&R projects as per NPDI and NQMS systems

Manufacturing Excellence:

• Lead and manage the AG team for process improvement leading to more efficient and cost effective operations (reduction of complexity, harmonization of recipes and materials).
• Lead AG team to provide the required manufacturing assistance to the Factory for commissioning of new lines, optimising of existing lines and Operator training.

People:

• Organize Technical training program with Factory Trainer and roll-out on a yearly basis via workshops and seminar.
• Develop succession plans for AG team.
• Lead AG Group to assist in developing Operator skills levels on all Production equipment.

Quality & Compliance :

• Ensure all tasks of AG team are aligned with internal standards and processes.
• Deliver accurate master data - specs, BOMs, SAP-RM, Nutritional data and ingredient list.

What Will Make You Successful

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Technology / Food Science / Process Engineering / Chemical Engineering
• Minimum of 5 – 8 years’ expertise in product development or Research & Development with strong knowledge of the product category and its technologies.
• Management exposure across several R&D and technical functions
• Exposure to product category Nestle Product technology Centers; Research & Development
• Exposure to Factory Environment