Tzaneen Area Limpopo & or Gauteng – South Africa: Our client is looking for a Head of Processing Africa to join the team.
 
The successful candidate will ensure that all value-add facilities related activities are undertaken within the accepted norms and procedures in order to ensure long-term sustainability of the business.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

•  Degree in Engineering or Operations Management or other relevant fields
• Post graduate qualification will be advantageous
• Fruit processing and packing experience is desirable
• At least 10-15-years’ experience in factories and prepacking facilities, preferably agriculture
• At least 5-years’ experience in 16. (2) role or similar roles on Health and Safety.

 
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED
 

• Technically competent to manage an export subtropical fruit business
• Good people management skills across all levels of the business
• Detailed knowledge of external accreditation requirements for local and export markets. Financial planning and control 
• Knowledge of the legal framework for farming operations across Africa
• High levels of computer literacy

 
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
 

• Integrity, passion for work, excellence and success
• Excellent communicator with attention to detail
• Business acumen with analytical problem-solving ability
• Results driven team player
• Ability to work under constant pressure
• Self-starter and ability to work independently and as part of a team

 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
 
Factories and Prepacking Facilities Growth Strategy Development:

• Factories and Prepacking facilities productivity improvement
• Establishment of central admin function for all Factories and Prepacking facilities. Development and implementation of Five (5) year growth and expansion strategy/plan. Technical Evaluation of all Factories & Prepacking facilities and implement same standards across.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to build company image and positive reputation.
• Conducting industry benchmarks on cost, technology, and people trends

Financial & Business Management: 

• Collaborate and participate in setting-up budgets, monitor, allocate resources, review and making mid-year adjustment.
• Prepare monthly and/or project finance report for management to provide insight into the company.
• Contribute to the business profitability by managing people and resource to establish and accomplish business objective

People Management:

• Instil discipline within the management and labour force.
• Setting performance agreements, management subordinate, coach, and mentor the team. Developing successors for critical positions. 
• Create a healthy labour relations environment through continuous employee engagement.

Health & Safety: 

• Accept and execute 16(2) and GMR2(1) Role and Responsibilities
• Management and implementation of HSMS
• Drive Hazard identification and development Risk Assessments for all operations
• Support and Achieve and maintenance ISO45001 Accreditation in South African Production Units

Capital Projects: 

• Engagement with internal operations managers for requirement
• Technical Review and Approval of capital projects (Capex Requests)
• Setup Budget, Capex request and execute project timeously and within budget.
• Oversee manage the design process by both internal and external engineers.

Continuous Improvement

• Constant performance evaluation of packing practices/activities.
• Develop and implement process flows for all activities.
• Profit enhancement project – 2% gross profit improvement
• Measuring water usage and reporting for both management and compliance purposes.
• Secure at least two grower and increased volume by 5% year on year.
• Work with newly established Continuous Improvement Department.

Corporate Governance, Risk and Compliance: 

• Ensure that statutory obligations under the auspices of Factories & Prepacking facilities management are prepared and maintained, including but not limited to, fire protection, building registration, EIA, wastewater, solid waste, transport, electricity supply and use etc.
• Enforce ethical business practices, and exercise oversight to ensure compliance to corporate governance, ethical and responsible behaviour as per the policies.
• Create an inclusive culture.

Operational Activities:

• Develop and implement data management system and reporting for all Factories & Prepacking facilities
• Develop and implement maintenance strategy and performance of all equipment.
• Standardise all Factories & Prepacking facilities across the continent.
• Warehouse management and stock control

Accreditation Management:

• Ensure compliance for all relevant accreditations, including legal aspects regarding fire, water and food safety, and Health & Safety regulations.
• Current audits include GlobalGAP, Nurtures (Tesco), Albert Heijn, Farming for the Future, Waitrose, SIZA, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, SMETA, LEAF and other assessment audits. Managing the audit process, from booking audits to internal audits and overseeing the audit itself. 
• Co-ordinating any audit related activities which may come up during the year.

 
ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted