Nestlé embraces Omanization

For its operation, the company has adapted the Nestle Management & Leadership principles strategy guidelines and implemented a localized version in Oman with a major thrust on employment and nurturing of Omanis at all levels.

Thus, Nestlé Oman Trading has been proactively committed to Omanization from the first day of its inception 4 years back. Since then, the company's Omanization percentage has grown steadily, reaching today a level where it now boosts an 'Omani Team' of dedicated and competent employees. Some Omanis, who have started their career at Nestlé Oman Trading, are now at top divisional posts in Nestlé Middle East such as the NESCAFÉ brand manager.

"We believe to succeed as a company we must develop both ourselves and the communities around us," said Emile Douaihy, General Business Manager of Nestlé Oman Trading.

"To that end, we continuously contribute to strengthening the local communities in which we are active. We're committed to the integration of Omani nationals into the workforce as well as the continuous career development of our Omani national employees. We not only employ Omanis; we train them intensively and invest considerable resource into ensuring they do not only have jobs but promising careers."

Douaihy explained that, to take Omanization forward as a serious initiative, Nestlé® Oman Trading has embraced what it calls a sustained contribution and development strategy, which is designed to build up its people as its best asset. Recruitment and extensive staff mentoring and training are key factors of the strategy wherein Omani employees receive diverse kinds of tutoring: on the job, class room, development, networking, communication skills etc, aimed at making them into world-class professionals.

"We're also keen to assess the level of expertise available among the Omanis and improve this through necessary training programmes that enable Omani youth to take up positions of responsibility in the country's flourishing economy," Douaihy said. "The mission of NOT is to advocate for the expanded hiring, nurturing, retention and promotion of Omani youth."

To maximise its employees' potential, NOT has created a culture in which staff are stimulated and work is fun and rewarding, Douaihy pointed out. Team spirit and a sense of pride in their work is instilled in all employees; team members are encouraged to take initiative, to think 'out-of-the-box and to share ideas and be open to all possibilities. "We want every team member to understand that they each have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the NOT business and its success," Douaihy said. "An engaged workforce ensures a superior level of service to our customers."

Nestlé is conscious of the fact that the success of a corporation is a reflection of the professionalism, conduct and the responsible attitude of its management and employees. Therefore recruitment of the right people and ongoing training and development are crucial;

Nestlé is a consumer-driven company, and we tailor our products to suit local tastes and desires

Douaihy said NOT's approach to recruitment, working patterns and staff development are based on the fundamental philosophy that Nestlé regards its personnel as its most valuable asset. Nestlé is convinced that it is the people who form the strength of the Company and that nothing can be achieved without their commitment and their energy.

"It is our duty as a corporate citizen of Oman to play a major contributing role to the development of our local community. By investing heavily in our personnel development we are providing young Omanis with bright

future and a legacy of FMCG professionals to be followed for generations to come "he said.

Douaihy said that NOT offers young Omanis a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic and successful local team while being a part of an internationally acknowledged organization. The company is fast becoming known as an employer of choice for its innovative human resources programmes. "And we would urge as many Omani nationals as possible to join our banner and grow with us," he said.