Head of Processing Africa

Head of Processing Africa
Midrand

The above mentioned position has become available at a well established fruit grower. This tenacious incumbent 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. Should you have any queries, call Kaylin or Antoinette.

Responsibilities:

1. Factories and Prepacking Facilities Growth Strategy Development:
   • 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.
2. 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 resources to establish and accomplish business objectives.
3. 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 maintain ISO45001 Accreditation in South African Production Units.
4. 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.
   • 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 growers and increase volume by 5% year on year.
   • Work with newly established Continuous Improvement Department.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Accreditation Management:
   • Ensure compliance for all relevant accreditations, including legal aspects regarding fire, water and food safety, and Health & Safety regulations.
   • Current audits include Global GAP and others.
   • 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.

Requirements:

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.