Leaf Quality & Operations Director Job Vacancy at JTI (Japan Tobacco International), Dar es Salaam July 2026

Leaf Quality & Operations Director Company:Japan Tobacco International (JTI)Location:TanzaniaType:Full-time About JTI At JTI, diversity and inclusion are central to the company culture. With employees from across the world, JTI focuses on creating an environment where people can build successful careers while contributing their unique talents. JTI is seeking aLeaf Quality & Operations Directorto lead its Tanzania Leaf operations and ensure excellence across tobacco procurement, quality management, processing, logistics, and supply chain operations. Job Purpose TheLeaf Quality & Operations Directorwill lead the end-to-end Tanzania Leaf function, covering: Leaf quality management Green leaf procurement Tobacco classification Buying locations Tobacco receiving Warehousing Internal logistics Processing operations Inventory management Packed tobacco shipping Related administration The role is responsible for developing and executing Leaf and Operations strategic plans while ensuring compliance with JTI global quality standards, operational efficiency, cost management, and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) requirements. The position will oversee performance indicators including: Quality Index Value Index Packed Quality Index Volume performance Price stability Commercial yield Non-Conforming Product (NCP) Cost optimization Operational efficiency EHS compliance Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Planning and Business Delivery Develop and execute annual Leaf and Operations strategic plans covering:Green leaf pricingVolume requirementsQuality objectivesYield analysisMarket trendsOperational priorities Green leaf pricing Volume requirements Quality objectives Yield analysis Market trends Operational priorities Prepare performance reports and provide regular feedback to management. Develop market-floor strategies and operational improvement plans. 2. Green Leaf Procurement, Buying Locations and Classification Manage tobacco purchasing activities at buying stations and market floors. Implement effective market strategies. Guide buying teams on:Tobacco gradesClassification standardsExternal grading requirementsInternal quality classifications Tobacco grades Classification standards External grading requirements Internal quality classifications Ensure compliance with:JTI policiesGlobal grade specificationsTobacco quality standards JTI policies Global grade specifications Tobacco quality standards 3. Processing, Blending, Inventory and Warehousing Oversee tobacco processing activities, including:Blending operationsProcessing specificationsStalk mill processingGrade utilization Blending operations Processing specifications Stalk mill processing Grade utilization Manage:Green tobacco inventoryPacked tobacco inventoryWarehousing operationsProduct traceability Green tobacco inventory Packed tobacco inventory Warehousing operations Product traceability Ensure accurate inventory management through systems such as:SAPLeaf Point SAP Leaf Point Plan and monitor:Annual processing schedulesShipping plansMonthly operational deadlines Annual processing schedules Shipping plans Monthly operational deadlines 4. Operations, Logistics and Administration Manage tobacco receiving, dispatch, and internal logistics operations. Optimize warehouse processes and operational workflows. Ensure accurate operational reporting, including:Daily and weekly buying percentagesTobacco volumesGreen leaf targetsInventory movementsManagement reports Daily and weekly buying percentages Tobacco volumes Green leaf targets Inventory movements Management reports 5. Quality, Cost Management and Continuous Improvement Monitor and improve key operational indicators, including:Product Quality Index (PQI)Quality IndexValue IndexVolume performancePrice stabilityYield performanceNCPCPKInfestation controlHousekeeping standardsNTRM managementCost performance Product Quality Index (PQI) Yield performance NCP CPK Infestation control Housekeeping standards NTRM management Cost performance Analyze operational performance and implement corrective actions. Lead continuous improvement initiatives across Leaf Operations. 6. EHS, Sustainability and Compliance Promote a proactive Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) culture. Participate in EHS management reviews. Ensure compliance with:Factory safety proceduresHazard identification processesManagement-of-change controlsSustainability initiatives Factory safety procedures Hazard identification processes Management-of-change controls Sustainability initiatives Including programs such as: SRP MAS CPA 7. People Leadership and Capability Development Recruit, lead, motivate, and develop Leaf Quality and Operations teams. Build technical capability through:Training programsCoachingKnowledge sharingEmployee engagement Training programs Coaching Knowledge sharing Employee engagement Develop a strong talent pipeline for future operational leadership. 8. Stakeholder Management and Projects Collaborate with internal stakeholders including: Agronomy EHS teams Factory Processing Finance Department JTI Headquarters Inbound teams Management teams Coordinate: Procurement plans Classification activities Processing schedules Shipping activities Improvement projects Required Qualifications and Experience Education University degree in:AgricultureOr a related field Agriculture Or a related field Equivalent professional experience in tobacco operations will also be considered. Professional Experience Candidates should have: Minimum8–10 years of experiencein the tobacco industry. Experience across:Tobacco buyingProcurementClassificationLeaf productionProcessingOperations management Tobacco buying Procurement Classification Leaf production Processing Operations management At least8 years in a management role. Required Skills and Competencies Strong leadership experience managing multidisciplinary Leaf Quality and Operations teams. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Strategic planning and execution abilities. Strong operational decision-making skills. Extensive knowledge of:Tobacco gradingTobacco classificationWarehousingLogisticsProcessing operationsInventory managementQuality management systemsEHS requirementsCost control Tobacco grading Logistics Quality management systems EHS requirements Cost control Computer literacy with proficiency in:Microsoft Office applicationsSAPBW systemsLeaf Point Microsoft Office applications BW systems Fluency in English. Recruitment Process After application review, shortlisted candidates may proceed through: Phone screening with Talent Advisor Assessment tests Interviews offer Each stage is eliminatory and may vary depending on the role. Equal Opportunity Statement JTI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official JTIportal. CLICK HERE TO APPLY