Strategic Head of Processing Operations - Tzaneen - Palesa Mbali Group

Description

Job Title: Strategic Head of Processing Operations

At Palesa Mbali Group, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Strategic Head of Processing Operations to oversee our processing and operations across Africa.

### Key Responsibilities

* Develop and implement a growth strategy for our factories and prepacking facilities to improve productivity and efficiency
* Establish a central administration function for all facilities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to build the company's image and reputation
* Conduct industry benchmarks on cost, technology, and people trends to inform business decisions

### Financial Management

* Collaborate with the finance team to set budgets and monitor resource allocation
* Prepare monthly and project finance reports to provide insights into the company's financial performance
* Contribute to business profitability by managing people and resources to achieve business objectives

### People Management

* Instil discipline within the management and labour force
* Set performance agreements, manage subordinates, coach, and mentor the team
* Develop successors for critical positions

### Health and Safety

* Accept and execute the 16(2) and GMR2(1) roles and responsibilities
* Management and implementation of HSMS
* Drive hazard identification and development of risk assessments for all operations

### Capital Projects

* Engage with internal operations managers to identify requirements
* Review and approve capital projects (Capex Requests)
* Set up budgets, Capex requests, and execute projects timeously and within budget

### Continuous Improvement

* Constantly evaluate the performance of packing practices and activities
* Develop and implement process flows for all activities
* Implement profit enhancement projects to improve gross profit by 2%

### Corporate Governance, Risk, and Compliance

* Ensure statutory obligations under the auspices of Factories & Prepacking facilities management are prepared and maintained
* Enforce ethical business practices and ensure compliance to corporate governance, ethical, and responsible behaviour

### Operational Activities

* Develop and implement data management systems and reporting for all Factories & Prepacking facilities
* Develop and implement maintenance strategies for all equipment
* Standardise all Factories & Prepacking facilities across the continent

### Accreditation Management

* Ensure compliance for all relevant accreditations, including legal aspects regarding fire, water, and food safety, and Health & Safety regulations
* Manage the audit process, from booking audits to internal audits and overseeing the audit itself

### Education and Experience

* A degree in Engineering or Operations Management or other relevant fields
* Postgraduate qualification will be advantageous
* Fruit processing and packing experience is desirable

### Knowledge and Skills

* 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

### Behavioural Competencies

* Integrity, passion for work, excellence, and success
* Excellent communication skills with attention to detail
* Business acumen with analytical problem-solving ability
* Results-driven team player

Requirements:

* Minimum 10-15 years' experience in factories and prepacking facilities, preferably in agriculture
* Minimum 5 years' experience in a Health and Safety role or similar

What we Offer:

* Competitive salary and benefits package
* Opportunity to work with a leading company in the agriculture industry
* Collaborative and dynamic work environment

How to Apply:

If you are a motivated and experienced professional looking for a new challenge, please submit your application with your resume and a cover letter.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your application via email to [insert email address]. We look forward to hearing from you.