HAIL & COTTON, a leading global tobacco leaf merchant, are currently recruiting for their Zambia Operations. The following positions are vacant.
\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0WAREHOUSE SUPERVISOR (1) \u2013 Permanent; Kabwe x1
\nThe purpose of this position is to oversee the day\u2011to\u2011day warehouse operations related to the receiving, grading, processing, storage, and dispatch of tobacco leaf. The role ensures efficient movement of leaf inventory, compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, accurate stock records, and smooth coordination between warehouse teams, logistics, farmers, and quality departments. This position drives operational excellence and enforces quality standards, with the following key performances guidelines:
\nKey Responsibilities
\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Warehouse Operations Management<\/p>\n
Supervise and coordinate daily warehouse activities including receiving, sorting, grading, baling, packing, and dispatch of tobacco leaf and related inputs.
\nEnsure correct storage procedures to maintain leaf quality and prevent contamination or moisture damage.
\nImplement inventory control systems to track stock levels, rotations, and leaf classifications and efficiently manage other related inputs.
\nMonitor fumigation, ventilation, and moisture control procedures to preserve tobacco quality and safe\/secure storage of other related inputs.
\nEnsure proper handling of tobacco to minimize losses, breakages, and shrinkage.<\/p>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Inventory and Documentation<\/p>\n
Oversee the accuracy of all warehouse records including GRNs, dispatch notes, bale tickets, and daily stock reports.
\nConduct daily, weekly, and monthly stock counts; investigate and resolve variances.
\nEnsure all leaf\/bale movements are recorded in the ERP\/warehouse management system.
\nPrepare daily operational reports for management review.<\/p>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0People Supervision and Leadership<\/p>\n
Lead, supervise, and allocate work to warehouse staff, including temporary\/seasonal workers.
\nTrain staff in warehouse handling procedures, hygiene, safety, and tobacco quality standards.
\nMonitor staff attendance, performance, and adherence to work instructions.
\nPromote teamwork, discipline, and a safe working environment.<\/p>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Quality and Compliance<\/p>\n
Ensure that all leaf handling processes align with internal quality standards and regulatory compliance.
\nCoordinate with Agronomy, Leaf Buying and Sales Operations teams to manage leaf grading accuracy and non\u2011conformance management.
\nEnforce Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and health & safety standards.
\nSupport internal and external audits and implement corrective actions.<\/p>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)<\/p>\n
Enforce strict adherence to warehouse safety procedures, PPE use, and hazard reporting.
\nConduct toolbox talks and safety briefings for warehouse teams.
\nIdentify risks and implement preventive measures to avoid accidents or product contamination.
\nOther duties as assigned.<\/p>\n
Qualifications and Requirements:<\/p>\n
Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, Production Management, or related field.
\nCertificate in Warehousing, Inventory Control, or Quality Assurance is an added advantage.
\n3\u20135 years of experience in warehouse operations, preferably in tobacco leaf handling or agricultural commodities.
\nExperience supervising teams in a fast\u2011paced warehouse environment.
\nStrong understanding of leaf grading, moisture management, and agricultural product storage.
\nExperience with ERP or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is an added advantage.<\/p>\n
Competencies and Skills
\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Technical Competencies<\/p>\n
Knowledge of tobacco leaf processing, grading, and storage practices.
\nStrong inventory management and documentation skills.
\n\u00a0Ability to analyze stock reports and resolve variances.
\n\u00a0Understanding of HSE and quality compliance requirements.<\/p>\n
b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Leadership & Behavioral Competencies<\/p>\n
Strong leadership and team supervision skills.
\nExcellent communication and interpersonal skills.
\nHigh attention to detail and quality.
\nStrong problem\u2011solving and decision\u2011making abilities.
\nAbility to work under pressure and meet operational deadlines.
\nIntegrity, accountability, and strong work ethic.<\/p>\n
c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Digital Competencies<\/p>\n
Proficiency in MS Excel and warehouse management software.
\n\u00a0Ability to use handheld scanners or digital inventory platforms<\/p>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0LEAF ACCOUNTANT (1) \u2013 Permanent Contract; Lusaka x1
\nThe purpose of this position involves managing and reconciling all financial transactions related to tobacco leaf procurement, processing, inventory valuation, and sales. The role ensures accurate costing, reporting, and financial controls for leaf operations, supporting both Finance and Leaf Operations teams. This includes monitoring farmer payments, contract reconciliations, stock valuation, yield analysis, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
\nKey Responsibilities
\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Leaf Procurement Accounting<\/p>\n
Record and reconcile all tobacco leaf purchases, including farmer payments, contract settlements, advances, and deductions.
\nVerify accuracy of receiving reports, scale tickets, bale weights, and quality grades before processing payments.
\nMonitor contract ceilings and ensure farmers are paid according to agreed schedules and pricing structures.
\nReconcile procurement cost components (handling, transport, commissions, levies).<\/p>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Inventory & Stock Management<\/p>\n
Maintain accurate leaf inventory records across all phases: receiving, grading, processing, storage, and dispatch.
\nReconcile physical stock counts with system records, investigating and resolving variances.
\nPerform daily, weekly, and monthly inventory valuations.
\nTrack leaf movements between warehouses and processes (re\u2011drying, blending, processing).
\nMonitor stock losses, shrinkage, and quality adjustments and post appropriate accounting entries.<\/p>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Costing, Analysis & Reporting<\/p>\n
Calculate cost of leaf per grade, per farmer, per intake point, and per season.
\nAnalyze yields, processing losses, grade outturns, and compare against budget or standard costs.
\nPrepare financial reports for leaf operations, including cost summaries, production variances, and stock positions.
\nSupport budgeting and forecasting for leaf procurement and processing costs.<\/p>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sales & Dispatch Accounting<\/p>\n
Record all leaf dispatches to local customers or export markets according to invoices and delivery notes.
\nReconcile dispatches, customer pricing, and revenue recognition.
\nMonitor freight, insurance, export charges, and other logistics cost allocations.
\nPrepare dispatch variance analyses and margin reports.<\/p>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Compliance & Audit Support<\/p>\n
Update stock movements in the ERP\/WMS system.
\nSupport cycle counts and monthly inventory reconciliations.
\nInvestigate stock variances related to shipping or receiving.<\/p>\n
6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Systems & Process Management<\/p>\n
Maintain accurate data in ERP systems related to leaf procurement, inventory, and costing.
\nWork closely with operations staff to ensure timely and accurate data capture.
\nIdentify and recommend process improvements to enhance financial accuracy and efficiency.
\nOther duties as assigned.<\/p>\n
Qualifications and Requirements:<\/p>\n
Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
\nProfessional qualification or part\u2011qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ZICA) is a strong advantage.
\nTraining in agricultural or manufacturing cost accounting is desirable.
\n3\u20135 years\u2019 accounting experience, preferably in tobacco leaf, agriculture, FMCG, or manufacturing.
\nExperience in cost accounting, inventory management, or procurement finance.
\nStrong understanding of commodity accounting and agricultural supply chains.
\nExperience with ERP systems (SAP, Sage, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.).<\/p>\n
Competencies and Skills
\nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Technical Competencies<\/p>\n
Strong knowledge of cost accounting and inventory valuation.
\nUnderstanding of tobacco leaf processes (grading, moisture, outturns, bale classifications).
\nHigh proficiency in MS Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis).
\nAbility to analyze financial data and generate actionable insights.
\nStrong understanding of IFRS and internal control frameworks.<\/p>\n
e.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Behavioral Competencies<\/p>\n
High attention to detail and accuracy.
\nStrong analytical and problem\u2011solving skills.
\nAbility to work under pressure, especially during peak leaf seasons.
\nStrong communication and relationship\u2011management abilities.
\nIntegrity, accountability, and confidentiality in handling financial data.<\/p>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0FLOOR SUPERVISOR (1) \u2013 Fixed Term Contract; Chipata x1
\nThe purpose of this position is to oversee and coordinate all activities on the floor to ensure accurate presentation, classification, and movement of tobacco for buyer inspections, auctions, or grower contracted sales.
\nKey Responsibilities
\nPosition Summary
\nThe Sales Floor Supervisor oversees and coordinates all activities on the floor to ensure accurate presentation, classification, and movement of tobacco for buyer inspections, auctions, or grower contracted sales. The role ensures that all leaf lots are properly displayed, documented, sampled, and compliant with quality, regulatory, and key stakeholder requirements. The Supervisor acts as the primary link between floor workers, graders, buyers, and logistics to guarantee a smooth, efficient, and compliant operation.
\nKey Responsibilities;
\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Floor Operations Management<\/p>\n
Supervise the arrangement and presentation of tobacco bales\/lots for buyer inspections and sales.
\nEnsure correct labeling, lot sequencing, barcoding, and traceability of all tobacco on the sales floor.
\nMonitor floor readiness prior to buyer arrival\/cleanliness, accessibility, and safety checks.
\nCoordinate bale movements (inflow and outflow) with logistics and warehouse teams.
\nEnsure correct re\u2011handling of bales after buyer review (opening, resealing, re\u2011tagging).<\/p>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Quality & Compliance Control<\/p>\n
Verify that each displayed lot meets company and regulatory standards (grade accuracy, moisture levels, bale integrity).
\nWork with the relevant teams to address any inconsistencies or non\u2011compliant material (nesting etc).
\nEnsure proper handling to prevent contamination, damage, or misclassification of tobacco.
\nSupport traceability requirements for contracted farmers or merchant leaf.<\/p>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Buyer & Grower Support<\/p>\n
Serve as the primary contact for buyers on the auction floor during sales days.
\nProvide information on lot positioning, grade details, and any operational clarifications.
\nCoordinate buyer walk-throughs and support any special grower requirements.
\nManage communication between the buying team and floor workers during transactions.<\/p>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Workforce Supervision<\/p>\n
Oversee a workforce of receiving clerks, dispatch clerks, data capturing clerks, transport clerks, leaf checkers, ticket markers, sewers, stackers, bale openers and barrowers (alongside any other seasonal staff engaged for the auction floor).
\nDelegate tasks to ensure efficient workflow and floor organization.
\nConduct pre-shift briefings to communicate expectations and daily priorities.
\nEnsure team compliance with company policies, attendance requirements, and discipline.<\/p>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Health, Safety & Regulatory Compliance<\/p>\n
Enforce use of PPE and ensure compliance with OHS standards for dust, heavy-lifting, and bale\u2011handling.
\nAssist with incident reporting and corrective actions.
\nSupport fire-prevention and tobacco-specific safety protocols (handling flammable materials, bale stacking guidelines).<\/p>\n
6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Reporting & Documentation<\/p>\n
Maintain accurate daily reports of bale counts, lot movements, and auction floor activity.
\nReport any grade disputes, buyer queries, or operational issues.
\nTrack daily floor performance indicators and discrepancies.
\nSupport digital data capture (barcode scanning, sales\/buying recording tools).
\nOther duties as assigned.<\/p>\n
Qualifications and Requirements<\/p>\n
Certificate, Diploma\/Degree in Business Operations, Agriculture, Supply Chain, or related field.
\n3\u20135 years experience in a tobacco leaf environment or agricultural commodities sales\/auction floor.
\nExperience supervising teams on an auction floor, warehouse, or commercial operations setting.<\/p>\n
Key Competencies<\/p>\n
Strong leadership and team\u2011coordination abilities.
\nKnowledge of tobacco leaf characteristics, grading, and customer specifications.
\nExcellent communication and customer\u2011service skills.
\nAbility to work under pressure during peak sales periods.
\nHigh attention to detail (critical for grade verification and lot sequencing).
\nGood understanding of safety in handling heavy bales and fast\u2011moving floor operations.
\nComputer literacy (MS Office, scanning systems, sales reporting tools).<\/p>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0RECEIVING CLERK (18) \u2013 Fixed Term Contract; Mkushi x1, Lusaka x5, Kabwe x12
\nThe Receiving Clerk is responsible for accurately receiving, inspecting, and recording all incoming tobacco leaf bales, farmer deliveries, and purchased lots. The role ensures proper documentation, verification of quality and quantity, adherence to traceability requirements, and timely communication with internal departments. The Receiving Clerk plays a critical role in maintaining inventory accuracy and supporting seamless leaf movement into storage or onto the auction floor.
\nKey Responsibilities;
\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Inbound Receiving & Verification<\/p>\n
Receive and inspect all incoming tobacco (bales, cartons, loose leaf) from farmers, depots, or transporters.
\nVerify bale counts, weights, grades, and lot numbers against delivery notes and purchase records.
\nCheck bale integrity to ensure no damage, contamination, or tampering.
\nEnsure moisture levels and general leaf condition meet company standards.
\nReject or flag any non\u2011conforming deliveries and escalate concerns to QA or supervisors.<\/p>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Efficient and Effective System and Documentation Management<\/p>\n
Log all received items into the system: quantity, grade, farmer details, purchase order, and delivery timestamps.
\nPrepare receiving reports and ensure all documentation is accurate and complete.
\nMaintain manual and electronic records for traceability audits.
\nLabel and barcode bales where necessary to ensure proper tracking.<\/p>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Warehouse Operations and Security Support<\/p>\n
Communicate warehouse and auction floor discrepancies in deliveries (shortages, damaged bales, wrong grades).
\nSupport farmer growers and team members with information required during receiving (lot numbers, documentation, etc.) and ensure security in receiving operations.<\/p>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Inventory Control and Staging<\/p>\n
Update stock levels immediately after receiving to maintain real-time inventory accuracy.
\nEnsure incoming leaf is placed in designated holding areas or storage zones.
\nAssist in cycle counts, spot checks, and inventory audits.
\nMaintain orderly and traceable stacking of bales.<\/p>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Quality, Leaf Integrity & Compliance<\/p>\n
Follow company quality standards for incoming tobacco.
\nAdhere to traceability requirements for contracted farmers or merchant leaf.
\nSupport regulatory inspections or internal audits when required.<\/p>\n
6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Stakeholder Collaboration<\/p>\n
Ensure safe handling of heavy bales and operate within lifting guidelines.
\nReport safety hazards, damaged bales, or unsafe transport conditions immediately.
\nFollow protocols for preventing cross\u2011contamination or NTRM (Non\u2011Tobacco Related Material).
\nEnsure secure receiving operations and prevent unauthorized access or product loss.
\nOther duties as assigned.<\/p>\n
Qualifications and Requirements<\/p>\n
Certificate\/Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain, Agriculture, Business Administration, or related field.
\nMinimum 3-5 years experience in warehousing, receiving, or agricultural commodity handling.
\nAbility to work with receiving systems, barcoding, or inventory software.<\/p>\n
Key Competencies<\/p>\n
Experience in tobacco leaf handling, grading, or warehouse operations.
\nFamiliarity with farmer\/grower intake procedures or auction\/contract systems.
\nBasic understanding of tobacco moisture, quality indicators, and NTRM control.
\nStrong attention to detail and accuracy.
\nGood numerical and record\u2011keeping skills.
\nEffective communication and teamwork abilities.
\nAbility to work under pressure during peak receiving periods.
\nGood understanding of warehouse and receiving SOPs.
\nBasic computer skills (Excel, inventory systems, scanning tools).
\nPhysical ability to lift, move, or inspect bales safely.<\/p>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0DISPATCH CLERK (13) \u2013 Fixed Term Contract; Mkushi x1, Lusaka x4, Kabwe x8
\nThe Dispatch Clerk is responsible for coordinating, verifying, and documenting the dispatch of tobacco leaf bales from warehouses\/buying floors to determined destinations. The role safeguards bale identity (grade, batch, lot), maintains complete dispatch records, and supports inventory integrity.
\nKey Responsibilities
\n1. Order Release, Picking and Staging<\/p>\n
Receive and process approved dispatch orders, pick lists, and shipping schedules.
\nCoordinate the picking of tobacco leaf bales according to grade, batch\/lot, customer requirements, and FIFO principles.
\nVerify bale numbers, weights, packaging integrity, and labels before staging.
\nEnsure all picked stock is accurately staged, clearly marked, and ready for loading.
\nReport any shortages, grade mismatches, or irregularities immediately.<\/p>\n
2. Handling of Outbound Documentation and Systems<\/p>\n
Prepare complete dispatch documentation: waybills, delivery notes, packing lists, gate passes, and seal logs.
\nCapture all dispatch transactions into the ERP\/WMS on time and without errors.
\nMaintain organized physical and electronic records for audits and traceability.
\nEnsure all documentation matches the exact quantities, grades, and batch codes loaded.<\/p>\n
3. Handling of Load Integrity, Security and Traceability<\/p>\n
Supervise loading to confirm correct bale quantities, grades, and stacking standards.
\nValidate seal numbers, truck ID, driver credentials, and transporter compliance before release.
\nEnsure adherence to tobacco traceability standards, including bale identity, movement logs, and chain-of-custody documentation.
\nInspect loads for safety, correct weight distribution, and security (straps, tarps, seals).
\nEscalate and document any tampering, discrepancies, or non\u2011conformance issues.<\/p>\n
4. Ensuring Quality and Compliance<\/p>\n
Follow tobacco handling and hygiene standards to prevent contamination or quality deterioration.
\nWork with QA\/Leaf teams to ensure moisture status, bale integrity, and grade accuracy before dispatch.
\nComply with internal policies, buyer requirements, and statutory regulations regarding tobacco movement.
\nEnsure adherence to HSE requirements at loading bays, including safe vehicle movement, PPE use, and incident reporting.<\/p>\n
5. Stakeholder Collaboration<\/p>\n
Liaise with Warehouse Operations, Transport, Security, QA\/Leaf and external transporters.
\nCommunicate dispatch schedules, delays, and changes effectively.
\nAssist with cycle counts, inventory reconciliations, and audit support as required.
\nSupport delivery expectations through timely and accurate dispatch execution.
\nOther duties as assigned.<\/p>\n
Qualifications<\/p>\n
Certificate\/Diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Warehouse Operations.
\nExperience: 3\u20135 years in dispatch, warehouse or logistics operations, ideally within tobacco leaf or agribusiness commodities.
\nProficiency with ERP\/WMS systems (SAP\/Dynamics\/Navision) and barcode scanning technologies.
\nStrong numerical accuracy, attention to detail, and understanding of bale identification (grade, batch, bale numbers).
\nAbility to work in fast-paced, high\u2011volume tobacco warehouse environments.<\/p>\n
Key Competencies<\/p>\n
Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in verifying bale numbers, grades, weights, and documents.
\nPlanning & Organization: Prioritizes dispatch tasks and manages staging and loading efficiently.
\nCommunication: Communicates clearly with warehouse teams, transporters, and supervisors.
\nProblem\u2011Solving: Quickly identifies dispatch discrepancies and resolves issues effectively.
\nIntegrity & Accountability: Demonstrates honesty and responsibility in stock and documentation control.
\nTeamwork: Collaborates effectively with operations, quality, security, and transport teams.
\nCompliance & Safety Awareness: Adheres to traceability standards, HSE rules, and security requirements.
\nTechnical Proficiency: Uses ERP systems, scanners, and dispatch.<\/p>\n
Sharing is Caring! Click on the Icons Below and Share<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_promoted":"","_job_location":"","_application":"http:\/\/zambia@hailcotton.com","_company_name":"Hail and Cotton Zambia Limited","_company_website":"","_company_tagline":"","_company_twitter":"","_company_video":"","_filled":0,"_featured":0,"_remote_position":0,"_job_salary":"","_job_salary_currency":"","_job_salary_unit":""},"job_listing_region":[11],"job-types":[12],"class_list":["post-7669","job_listing","type-job_listing","status-expired","hentry","job_listing_region-zambia","job-type-full-time"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/zambia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings\/7669","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/zambia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/zambia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/job_listing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/zambia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/zambia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7669"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"job_listing_region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/zambia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job_listing_region?post=7669"},{"taxonomy":"job_listing_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/zambia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-types?post=7669"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}