Who are we:
We are a dynamic and fast-growing FMCG company based in Lusaka, Zambia, operating across multiple beverage categories. Our business is built on innovation, agility and a deep understanding of consumer needs. We take pride in building powerful brands that resonate with customers and deliver strong commercial performance across Africa.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR:
A Manager – Support and Systems, who will lead the technical support structure for all key packaging machinery. This role acts as the central machine specialist responsible for strengthening in-house capability, ensuring knowledge transfer to artisans and operators, reducing OEM dependency and improving equipment reliability across the full value chain.
This position plays a pivotal role in bridging technical gaps, building sustainable in-house service capability, improving machine uptime and reducing OEM intervention costs. The role strengthens operational reliability and long-term asset care.
You will be based in Lusaka, Zambia.
WHAT WILL YOU DO:
- Technical leadership and knowledge transfer:
- Serve as the subject-matter expert for all major OEM equipment (Krones, KHS, SIPA, etc.)
- Drive structured knowledge transfer programmes to artisans, operators and service unit managers
- Build in-house capabilities for troubleshooting, maintenance and machine optimisation
- Ensure continuous skill enhancement through OEM-led training and internal coaching
- Equipment reliability and performance:
- Lead the technical oversight of fillers, blowers, stretch wrappers, labellers and palletisers
- Ensure preventive and predictive maintenance practices are consistently applied
- Support the engineering team in RCA and long-term corrective actions
- Improve MTBF, reduce MTTR and strengthen reliability across the packaging lines
- Overhauling and cost optimisation:
- Participate actively in machine overhauls and major interventions
- Develop in-house competencies to reduce reliance on OEM services
- Validate service quality and ensure compliance with OEM standards
- People leadership and structure management:
- Lead four Service Unit Managers and ensure strong technical accountability
- Coach and guide the team to elevate technical capability and drive excellence
- Promote a culture of ownership, discipline and continuous improvement
5. Systems, reporting and compliance:
- Establish standards for technical documentation and reporting
- Ensure timely reporting on machine KPIs, downtime and maintenance plans
- Maintain compliance with safety, quality and equipment standards
WHAT DO YOU NEED:
- 15+ years of hands-on experience in maintenance and packaging machinery reliability
- Strong background with Krones systems; advantage with KHS, SIPA, etc
- Proven experience in overhauls and machine optimisation
- Experience leading technical teams in manufacturing (FMCG/Beverages preferred)
- Technical diploma or degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Advanced technical troubleshooting skills
- Strong leadership and coaching ability
- Deep understanding of packaging line machinery
- Data-driven mindset and reporting discipline
- Effective stakeholder communication
- Capability building and reducing external dependency
- Proactive reliability improvement approach
