JTI is seeking an experienced and strategic professional to join its team as the Leaf Quality & Operations Director in Dar es Salaam. This senior leadership position offers an exciting opportunity to oversee the entire leaf operations value chain, from green leaf procurement and quality management to processing, warehousing, logistics, and packed tobacco shipping. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring operational excellence, maintaining global quality standards, and driving continuous improvement across JTI’s tobacco operations in Tanzania.
As a key member of the leadership team, the Leaf Quality & Operations Director will develop and execute annual strategic plans, manage operational performance, strengthen supply chain efficiency, and lead multidisciplinary teams to achieve business objectives. This role is ideal for an experienced tobacco industry professional with strong leadership, operational, and strategic planning capabilities.
Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Business Delivery
- Develop and execute the annual Leaf and Operations Strategic Plan.
- Establish pricing strategies, quality direction, volume requirements, and yield plans.
- Prepare Annual Strategic Plans (ASP), Latest Estimates (LE), and market trend analyses.
- Monitor operational performance and provide regular management reports.
Green Leaf Procurement and Classification
- Manage tobacco purchasing activities at buying stations and market floors.
- Implement market procurement strategies.
- Guide buying teams on external grading and internal classification standards.
- Ensure compliance with JTI policies, global grading specifications, and quality standards.
Processing, Inventory, and Warehousing
- Oversee tobacco processing, blending, and grade utilization.
- Manage green and packed tobacco inventory, warehousing, and traceability.
- Ensure accurate inventory management through SAP and Leaf Point systems.
- Coordinate packed tobacco shipping in accordance with local and international requirements.
- Supervise annual processing schedules and monthly finance reporting deadlines.
Operations, Logistics, and Administration
- Manage tobacco receiving, dispatch, warehousing, and internal logistics operations.
- Monitor warehouse process flows and operational reporting.
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports on buying volumes, inventory movements, and production performance.
Quality, Cost, and Continuous Improvement
- Monitor key operational indicators including:
- Packed Quality Index (PQI)
- Quality Index
- Value Index
- Commercial Yield
- Net Crop Performance (NCP)
- Process Capability (CPK)
- Non-Tobacco Related Materials (NTRM)
- Cost performance
- Analyze operational performance and implement corrective actions.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality and operational efficiency.
Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability
- Promote a strong Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) culture.
- Participate in EHS management reviews and compliance activities.
- Ensure adherence to factory safety procedures and sustainability programmes, including SRP, MAS, and CPA requirements.
Leadership and Talent Development
- Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing Leaf Quality and Operations teams.
- Strengthen technical knowledge through coaching, training, and employee development programmes.
- Build a sustainable talent pipeline for future operational leadership.
Stakeholder Management
- Collaborate with Agronomy, Finance, Factory Processing, EHS, JTI Headquarters, and other internal stakeholders.
- Align procurement, classification, processing, shipping, and operational improvement initiatives.
- Lead special projects and perform additional responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or an equivalent field.
- Extensive experience in the tobacco industry and leaf operations.
- Minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of experience in tobacco buying, procurement, classification, processing, leaf production, and operations.
- At least eight (8) years of management experience.
- Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience using SAP, BW, Leaf Point, or related enterprise systems.
- Excellent knowledge of tobacco grading, classification, warehousing, logistics, processing, inventory management, quality systems, cost control, and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) practices.
- Strong leadership, strategic planning, communication, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent command of the English language.
Why Join JTI?
JTI is a global organization that values diversity, inclusion, innovation, and employee development. Employees have the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment while contributing to sustainable business growth and operational excellence. JTI invests in professional development, leadership growth, and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Recruitment Process
Successful applicants may progress through the following recruitment stages:
- Phone screening with a Talent Advisor.
- Assessment tests.
- Interviews.
- Employment offer.
Each stage is part of the selection process and may vary depending on the position.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official JTI online recruitment portal using the application link provided in the job advertisement.
Apply as early as possible to be considered for this senior leadership opportunity with JTI and contribute to delivering world-class leaf quality and operational excellence across Tanzania.
Job Title: Leaf Quality & Operations Director
Company: JTI
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Job Type: Full-time
Posted: July 23, 2026
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