Head of Industrial Development and Operations

About the role

Blue Berries Namibia (BBN) is seeking a senior leader to drive the design, implementation and optimisation of its industrial production systems. The Head of Industrial Development and Operations will oversee localisation of manufacturing, supply‑chain integration and large‑scale capital projects that support the company’s hydroponic blueberry export strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Lead design, development and rollout of local manufacturing initiatives, including packaging production to replace imports.
• Develop and execute industrial project plans covering process design, equipment sourcing and facility setup.
• Prepare detailed CAPEX, OPEX and cash‑flow models and bankable business plans for investment decisions.
• Establish operational systems such as SOPs, process flows and performance frameworks.
• Introduce and manage Quality Management Systems and continuous‑improvement methods (e.g., 5S).
• Build and manage integrated supply chains for production, harvesting, packaging and export logistics.
• Lead commissioning, industrialisation and hand‑over of projects to operational teams.
• Identify, recruit and train local talent, ensuring skills transfer and capacity development.
• Coordinate cross‑functional activities and align them with strategic expansion plans.
• Provide regular progress reports and ensure compliance with governance and regulatory requirements.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years senior executive experience in industrial operations, engineering project development, logistics or large‑scale production.
• Proven track record in capital‑project execution, facility setup and operationalisation.
• Strong background in process design, supply‑chain management and quality‑systems implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to develop financial models and business plans for large projects.
• Experience in agriculture, agri‑processing or export‑oriented production is an advantage.

Required skills

• Process design
• CAPEX and OPEX modeling
• Financial modelling
• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• 5S continuous‑improvement methodology
• Supply‑chain management
• Equipment sourcing
• Facility setup
• Project management