Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Success Stories
References
Timeline
Collen Chigoro

Collen Chigoro

Harare

Summary

Exceptional Leader focused on successful team building, cost-cutting and operational improvements. Determined to cut costs without impacting quality of products and services. Reliable team player committed to building high-performing teams.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Operations Manager

Tecsafe Pvt Ltd
09.2023 - Current
  • Craft compelling bid proposals in response to RFPs, aligning them with organizational goals and customer requirements
  • Oversee the billing and invoicing process, detailing accuracy and timeliness, while implementing robust tracking mechanisms
  • Monitor payments status and revenue generation, whilst seeking provision of amicable resolutions to delays.
  • Develop and implement strategies to acquire new clients leveraging existing customer feedback, market insights and networking opportunities including participating in industry workshops
  • Conduct rigorous market research to gather intelligence on industry trends, competitors, and potential opportunities, maintaining an up-to-date database for reference and analysis
  • Determine all inputs for project costing, including cost estimation and budgeting, for an effective realization of cost targets and revenue for O&M projects
  • Identify opportunities for cost optimization within O&M operations and implement strategies to drive revenue realization
  • Foster compliance with commercial regulations and conduct due diligence activities to effectively manage all O&M contracts
  • Collaborates with procurement, finance, legal, HR, admin, and other departments to address O&M-related issues in a way to streamline operational processes.
  • Establish positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
  • Evaluate and review operations to introduce new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.

SHEQ Manager

National Foods Limited, Stockfeeds Division
04.2017 - 09.2023
  • Setup and implemented an effective product traceability system to account for each and every product received and produced.
  • Designed and implemented process improvement programs on process flow, documentation, development of departmental objectives and achieved a 95% performance target in line with company's strategy.
  • Improved customer complaints overseeing a reduction of nonconformities 90%.
  • Worked hand in hand with sales team to achieve customer satisfaction and resolution of all customer complaints
  • Worked as a liaison between National Foods Ltd and government and municipal bodies and achieved 100% compliance.
  • Performed environmental site assessments and provided remediation recommendations.
  • Managed development, design and execution of energy conservation projects.
  • Served as technical consultant on environmental policies to maintain regulatory compliance.
  • Conducted air quality monitoring and analysis of air pollutants.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
  • Prepared detailed scientific reports or presentations based on findings.
  • Assisted with development of health and safety plans for hazardous materials.
  • Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.
  • Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.

Quality Management Systems Coordinator

National Foods Limited
06.2015 - 03.2017
  • Conducted pervasive awareness training of Quality Management systems for all employees across the business units.
  • Coordinated risk identifications and preventive actions that resulted in a 10% reduction of unforeseeable risks.
  • Pioneered change management to enhance a 100% on time transition to an ISO systems culture and subsequent certification.
  • Entered data, generated reports, and produced100% tracking of documents.
  • Gathered and organized all materials to support operations.
  • Evaluated operational practices and identified improvement opportunities to develop revisions for systems and procedures.
  • Studied processes, implemented cost reductions and developed reporting procedures to maintain administrative workflow.
  • Improved customer satisfaction scores through application of superior conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
  • Implemented project management techniques to overcome obstacles and increase team productivity.
  • Improved office operations by automating client correspondence, record tracking and data communications.
  • Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across departments.
  • Conducted ongoing reviews of program financial systems to assess cost control measures.

Production Controller

National Foods Ltd
08.2014 - 06.2015
  • Coordinated production processes to institute at least a 95% utilization of resources and machinery.
  • Coordinated all monthly stock takes.
  • Reviewed all processes at least quarterly and whenever a necessity occurred to improve employee safety
  • Held daily morning meetings with employees to inform them of the production targets, issues impacting operations and also company strategy and direction.
  • Reviewed all job orders and adjusted schedules for timely delivery.
  • Reviewed production plans to identify and report potential risks.
  • Developed systems to expedite production and cut costs by 15%.
  • Established and enforced organization systems and standards.
  • Planned for all material equipment and manpower needs for job.
  • Trained all new employees in various departments and safety standards.
  • Prepared job order documents and gave timely approvals and achieved a 95% yearly production hit rate.
  • Collaborated with all cross-functional teams to align production plans with customer requirements.
  • Inspected all stocks to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory in line with set levels.
  • Prepared and maintained comprehensive production reports to highlight production developments for management review.
  • Planned all production schedules, taking employee production rates, company needs and seasonal changes into account.
  • Forecasted production schedules and adjusted plans to accommodate all changes in demand.

General Manager

Manna Brands Pvt Ltd
01.2014 - 07.2014
  • Maximized operational excellence mentoring all personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details to achieve a 100% compliance.
  • Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to create competitive advantages.
  • Provided strategic oversight of marketing and promotional campaigns to keep campaigns aligned with overall goals and objectives.
  • Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
  • Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.

Inventory Control Manager

KDV Bedding (Pvt) Ltd
09.2013 - 01.2014
  • Cross-referenced all invoices and supplies for reporting accuracy.
  • Maintained 100% control of cycle counts, physical inventory and discrepancy research.
  • Traced key item's history to determine reason for discrepancies between inventory and stock control records.
  • Processed all damaged goods and completed wasted inventory paperwork.
  • Motivated and managed performance, activities and responsibilities of Inventory Control Team.
  • Collaborated with all other departments within facility to educate and understand how functions affect inventory.
  • Secured discounts from third-party logistics service providers to deliver substantial cost savings.
  • Integrated warehouse operations with existing and new business processes.
  • Maintained established levels of goods based on sales forecasts and demand to fulfill orders on time.
  • Developed and maintained knowledgeable and productive team of employees.
  • Reviewed established business practices and improved processes to reduce expenses.
  • Created and enforced detailed organization processes to increase quality and service standards.
  • Reduced worker accidents by implementing improved safety standards and monitoring procedures.
  • Tracked production and quality control systems to proactively identify deficiencies.
  • Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.

Production Engineer

KDV Bedding (Pvt) Ltd
09.2012 - 08.2013
    • Decreased in-house production issues by establishing and coordinating sub-contracting and outsourcing requirements and processes.
    • Created engineering documentation for manufacturing processes, equipment specifications and change notices.
    • Practiced lean principles, which led to improvements in workflow and quality and waste reduction.
    • Identified risk mitigation actions to reduce injuries, accidents and hazards in production environment.
    • Communicated with other team members to enhance process and performance.
    • Inspected all machines and equipment and provided necessary repairs.
    • Performed regular production studies and machine analysis to identify any quality and process problems.
    • Applied lean manufacturing processes to enhance quality, reliability or cost-effectiveness.
    • Performed root cause analysis and implemented corrective actions.
    • Reviewed product designs for manufacturability or completeness.
    • Completed and submitted monthly and yearly reports to support executive decision making.
    • Decreased defect rate by applying process capability analysis and creating weekly defect reports.
    • Supervised entire production process and prepared proper documentation for dispatch.
    • Maximized productivity by 30% by developing and implementing innovative production processes for new and existing products.
    • Conducted trials to determine equipment and machine performance capabilities.

Education

Master of Science - Strategic Management

Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
01.2025

Certificate, ISO 45001 (OHS) Lead Auditor -

Standard Association of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
12.2018

Certificate, ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) Lead Auditor -

SAATCA, Harare, Zimbabwe
09.2015

Bachelor of Technology (Honours) Degree, Production Engineering -

Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
07.2012

Diploma, Production Management -

Varsity College- South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
12.2008

Skills

  • Project Planning
  • SAP HANA
  • HACCP
  • Safety Health and Environment
  • Project Management
  • Systems Development, ISO 9001/ISO 45001
  • People Management
  • Sustainability
  • Strategy Formulation
  • Budget Preparation and Cost Control
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Lean Manufacturing Methodologies
  • Quality Metrics
  • Operational Excellence
  • GMP Knowledge

Accomplishments

  • Earned the “NAQA Quality” Award in 2017 for great contributions for quality in Zimbabwe.
  • Documented and resolved quality issues which led to company being certified to the ISO 9001 in 2016.
  • Earned the “Company Employee of the Year” Award in 2018 for cost savings to the tune of US$900 000 on expenditure and process optimization.

Success Stories

  • Fostered a safety culture that resulted in National Foods getting NSSA recognition as a safe company at the 2019 SHAW Conference for a milestone without any workplace injuries.
  • Championed a quality culture that resulted in National Foods getting the Company of the Year Award, product of the Year Awards at the 2017 National Annual Quality Awards (NAQA).
  • Holds the Individual Quality Award, NAQA 2017.
  • Developed and implemented a Quality Management System and National Foods Ltd attained ISO9001.
  • Built a High-Performance Work System for National Foods Ltd that resulted in the Stockfeeds BU surpassing production targets and budgeted sales targets by 19% with operational expenditure falling by 28% and as a result achieved the employee of the year award in 2018.

References

  • Tendai Maphosa, National Foods Ltd, Commercial Executive, tendai.maphosa@natfood.co.zw,+263772238454
  • Dr. Douglas Mamvura, Chairperson: Manna Brands Pvt Ltd, drdoug@corporatemomentum.biz, +263731333777
  • Brian Magwaza, Dulux Maintenance Manager, +263773929613

Timeline

Operations Manager - Tecsafe Pvt Ltd
09.2023 - Current
SHEQ Manager - National Foods Limited, Stockfeeds Division
04.2017 - 09.2023
Quality Management Systems Coordinator - National Foods Limited
06.2015 - 03.2017
Production Controller - National Foods Ltd
08.2014 - 06.2015
General Manager - Manna Brands Pvt Ltd
01.2014 - 07.2014
Inventory Control Manager - KDV Bedding (Pvt) Ltd
09.2013 - 01.2014
Production Engineer - KDV Bedding (Pvt) Ltd
09.2012 - 08.2013
Chinhoyi University of Technology - Master of Science, Strategic Management
Standard Association of Zimbabwe - Certificate, ISO 45001 (OHS) Lead Auditor,
SAATCA - Certificate, ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) Lead Auditor,
Chinhoyi University of Technology - Bachelor of Technology (Honours) Degree, Production Engineering,
Varsity College- South Africa - Diploma, Production Management,
Collen Chigoro