Cosmas M'kombwe

Key Achievements:

• Managed 500+ employees across the Zambian business
• Successfully opened 8 new stores
• Digitized SOP management system
• Improved EBITDA from 15% to 21%
• Signed a chain store SLA, grew sales by 35%

KPI Overview:

Manufacturing (Pie & Confectionery Plant)

• Production Efficiency Improvement
  Increased production line efficiency by monitoring output rates, reducing downtime, and optimizing workflow processes to consistently meet manufacturing targets.
• Quality Control & Compliance
  Maintained high food safety and quality standards through strict adherence to company quality assurance procedures, minimizing product defects and waste.
• Cost Reduction & Waste Management
  Reduced operational waste and raw material losses through improved inventory control, process monitoring, and efficient resource utilization.
• On-Time Production & Delivery Performance
  Achieved consistent on-time production and dispatch targets by coordinating operations, inventory, and logistics to meet customer demand schedules.
• Health, Safety & Team Performance
  Promoted a safe and productive work environment by enforcing workplace safety standards, supervising teams effectively, and reducing workplace incidents.

QSRs (Debonairs, Steers, Mugg&Bean, Corner Bakery, KEG)

• Directed multi-branch QSR operations to achieve consistent service delivery, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction across all outlets.
• Improved daily sales performance through strategic staffing, operational planning, and execution of revenue-driving initiatives.
• Reduced food cost variances by strengthening inventory controls, portion management, and supplier coordination.
• Increased customer satisfaction ratings by improving service speed, order accuracy, and complaint resolution procedures.
• Managed labor costs effectively through workforce scheduling, productivity monitoring, and performance management.
• Led operational compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health regulations across all restaurant locations.
• Enhanced outlet profitability by monitoring KPI performance, controlling operational expenses, and improving efficiency.
• Implemented staff training and development programs that improved employee productivity, retention, and service standards.
• Oversaw stock management systems to minimize shortages, prevent over-ordering, and reduce wastage.
• Coordinated successful restaurant openings, operational rollouts, and process improvements while maintaining brand standards and operational consistency.

R&M

• Managed Repair & Maintenance (R&M) operations to ensure maximum equipment uptime and uninterrupted business operations across multiple sites.
• Reduced maintenance downtime through implementation of preventive maintenance schedules and rapid fault-response systems.
• Controlled R&M expenditure by optimizing maintenance budgets, supplier negotiations, and resource allocation without compromising operational efficiency.
• Improved asset lifespan and equipment reliability through consistent inspections, servicing, and maintenance planning.
• Coordinated maintenance teams and external contractors to ensure timely completion of repairs and compliance with operational standards.
• Strengthened health and safety compliance by enforcing maintenance safety procedures and minimizing operational risks.
• Monitored and analyzed maintenance KPI performance including downtime, response times, repair costs, and equipment efficiency.
• Implemented facility and equipment improvement initiatives that enhanced operational productivity and reduced recurring maintenance issues.
  

Key Achievements:

• Negotiated a K35m facility for new openings
• Centralized the procurement department
• Achieved 3 years audit backlog in 6 months

KPI's

• Negotiated favourable terms with vendors, achieving cost savings.
• Conducted thorough risk assessments to mitigate potential losses.
• Streamlined invoice processing reducing errors and delays.
• Ensured accurate tax filings, avoiding penalties and interest charges.
• Facilitated capital-raising initiatives supporting business expansion efforts.
• Enhanced company profitability with strategic budget planning.
• Developed comprehensive financial reports for top management review.
• Analysed complex financial data, providing meaningful insights for company leadership.
• Liaised between finance department and other departments fostering inter-departmental collaboration.
• Collaborated closely with auditors to ensure smooth audit processes.
• Reduced operational costs by implementing cost-saving strategies.
• Oversaw financial reporting processes, maintaining accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Worked to scale and enhance finance function, implementing new processes and refining existing ones.
• Conducted variance analysis to identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Finalised VAT returns with rigorous transaction checks.

Key Achievements:

• Improved sales by 300% just by closing all possible loopholes

KPI's

• Streamlined auditing procedures to improve productivity and time management.
• Reviewed financial statements and records to detect irregularities or fraud.
• Developed audit plans and strategies for compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Tested existing controls, highlighting any areas that were not functioning properly.
• Reduce stock shrinkage

Key Achievements:

• Negotiated Kalumbila Mine SLA
• Improved turnover by 45% with the new SLA
• Successfully conducted an audit for all pending ZRA refunds

KPI's

• Monitored and reviewed financial controls, processes and procedures to enable best practice development.
• Boosted company efficiency through strategic technology upgrades and process improvements.
• Aided senior leadership by recommending corrective actions and improvements to company operations.
• Strategically scheduled and managed 50+ staff members, maintaining high-performing business operations.
• Identified improvement changes regarding key processes for internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Identified finance team efficiencies and reduced reporting timelines.
• Developed and administered annual budgets following periods of strong analysis and research.
• Maintained responsibility of credit control to achieve debtor day targets.
• Resubmitted overdue invoices and confirmed payment receipts.
• Reduced annual business expenditure through careful expense monitoring.
• Liaised with customers and other departments to plan timely transportation of goods.
• Provided clear, accurate pricing information to customers regarding specific products.
• Performed detailed payroll duties from input and audit, to processing and submission.
• Satisfied all statutory obligations

• Analyzed monthly reporting to reconcile production operations and general ledger.
• Reconciled accounts from income and expense data to net worth and assets.
• Managed the AP, AR, Inventory and GL modules on the accounting system
• Created periodic reports comparing budgeted costs to actual costs.
• Analyzed Gross Profits
• Audited standard operating standards as per franchisor SOM
• Improved month-end closing cycle procedures through planned audit cycles.
• Standardised risk and performance metrics to increase efficiencies.
• Regularly reviewed and assessed risk policies to ensure regulatory compliance.

• Analyzed operations to improve restaurant efficiency and service levels.
• Strategically reviewed and planned restaurant staffing levels based on evolving service demands.
• Improved Front-of-House (FOH) staff productivity by elevating greeting and seating processes.
• Organized special events and functions, including receptions, parties and corporate lunches.
• Delivered in-depth training to customer-facing staff, promoting strong service performance.
• Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition.
• Maintained high levels of stock quality, implementing procedures to decrease stock damage.
• Investigated missing items, discrepancies and losses.