Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Mbabane
- Category: Operations
- Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily water plant operations.
- Ensure quality, hygiene and safety compliance.
- Manage production, inventory and maintenance.
- Develop and execute B2B sales strategies.
- Secure and maintain corporate clients.
- Prepare operational and sales reports.
- Lead and mentor staff.
Requirements
- 10+ years in water treatment / bottled water plant.
- 10+ years in Business-to-Business sales.
- Strong knowledge of water production and quality systems.
- Excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills.
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Own reliable vehicle.
- Willing to relocate to Hawane, Eswatini.
- Willing to travel.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Degree/Diploma in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, Sales or related field. FMCG experience advantageous.
How to Apply
REF Code: RN206463
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for this role in Eswatini?
A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Water Resource Management is commonly expected. Relevant professional certification such as the Swaziland Institute of Engineers (SIE) registration or training from the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) is highly valued. Prior experience with water treatment plant operations and business development in a Southern African context strengthens applications.
What does a typical day look like for a Water Plant Operations & Business Development Manager in Eswatini?
Daily tasks include supervising plant operations, ensuring compliance with EWSC and Ministry of Natural Resources standards, and conducting routine water quality checks using locally available testing protocols. The role also involves engaging with local communities, municipalities, and private clients to identify new service opportunities and support tariff or contract negotiations aligned with national water policy.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ in Eswatini compared to other countries?
Respect for hierarchy, strong interpersonal communication, and relationship-building with community stakeholders are central to success in Eswatini’s public and semi-public water sector. Employers value adaptability to infrastructure constraints, fluency in siSwati and English, and demonstrated commitment to rural water access — reflecting national priorities under Vision 2022 and the National Water Policy.
What career progression paths exist for someone in this role within Eswatini’s water sector?
Successful performers may advance to senior technical or managerial roles within EWSC, regional water boards, or donor-funded programmes like those supported by UNICEF or the World Bank. Some transition into consultancy, regulatory oversight with the Ministry of Natural Resources, or leadership positions in emerging public-private partnerships for water service delivery.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, or pension—are typically offered for this type of role in Eswatini?
Formal sector employers generally provide 21–30 days annual leave, statutory sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per the Employment Act of 1980. Medical aid is common in medium-to-large organisations, and pension contributions follow either the Government Pension Scheme (for parastatal roles) or private schemes registered with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
How should I apply, and what do employers in Eswatini specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are usually submitted via email or online portals, often requiring certified copies of academic credentials, SIE registration (if applicable), and a detailed CV highlighting both operational and business development experience in water services. Employers prioritise proven field experience in Eswatini or similar SADC contexts, familiarity with local regulations (e.g., Water Act No. 5 of 1995), and evidence of stakeholder engagement with rural communities or local government structures.