Job DescriptionContract:36-months full-time contract (potential for extension depending on performance)Initial 3-months probationary periodSalary:Between R420,000 to R500,000 p.a. (cost to company)Background:Community Farmer Network (CFN) was established in 2019 to enable and support increased market access for smallholder farmers in South Africa. CFN engages with a wide range of markets from retailers through to food manufacturers to identify market demand and to deliver products, either processed or in their raw form, to meet this demand. Once viable market access is secured, CFN engages with the non-profit Siyazisiza Trust who then build the capacity of smallholder farmers to supply into these markets. CFN is 100% owned by the Siyazisiza Trust and is currently under a 7-year incubation programme under the Trust until such point as it is a self-sustaining and fully functional independent business.Purpose of Job: Oversee all operational aspects with the food manufacturing and fresh produce aggregation and distribution environment. Responsible for driving revenue growth and operational excellence, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and implementing strategies to optimize production efficiency and profitability. Additionally, to deliver on the mission of increasing smallholder access to markets and assist in building a high-performing and positive company culture.Dimensions of Job:CFN is based at the Zululand Agri Support Centre in north-east Kwazulu-Natal about 5-km from the village of Mtunzini. It runs a ISO 22,000 fresh produce distribution centre as well as a food manufacturing facility at the Centre. Working collaboratively with the Siyazisiza Trust, CFN identifies market opportunities and then develops strategies to secure and build demand from these markets.Place in Organisation Structure:The post-holder will report to the Co-CEO: Programmes and line-manage all staff of the CFN unit.Key Duties & Responsibilities: Ensuring the that above outlined areas of responsibility are properly addressed, and systems put in place to support their implementation.Oversee implementation of CFN manufacturing and sourcing strategies and plans to achieve production targets and growth of market share.Devise long-term plans to achieve growth and evolution.Develop and implement growth strategies.Manage the manufacturing and fresh produce distribution operating models and workflow implementation and adherence within the facility.Set guidelines, design systems and determine procedures and production quality criteria to be implemented in the factory.Mitigate and ensure correction of manufacturing and fresh produce aggregation risks.Manage the performance of manufacturing & fresh produce aggregation & distribution areas.Monitor and report on performance against objectives and key performance indicators.Oversee adherence to quality procedures, standards and specifications that are in line with legal and any additional customer requirements.Ensure that manufacturing & Fresh produce aggregation processes comply with standards at both national and international level and regulations and set parameters for adherence including any required changes as per the law.Implement changes and improvements in performance/quality and deal with all deviations and non-compliance.Oversee quality assurance and adherence to legislation of final goods.Assess product lines and lead business review process by assessing sales information, taste profile of customers market size and opportunities.Drive new product lines based on detailed assessment of data and inform the business of new requirements and lines.Engage with relevant stakeholders to investigate other product opportunities that would support purpose driven business and commercial targets.Build partnerships with other key manufacturers & fresh produce distributors to investigate opportunities for new lines.Devise business cases for potential opportunities to expand lines to request capital investment from the board.Engage with regional leads in regions to investigate requirements and growth opportunities.Manage the development, implementation and review of CFN budgets.Monitor adherence to project budgets and propose cost-saving measures where appropriate.Manage all costs including agency fees, production and distribution costs.Conduct post-campaign analysis and reporting.Adhere to all organisation policies and procedures.Interact and co-operate with all members of the organisation, its suppliers and beneficiaries.Liaise with the Marketing unit to produce marketing materials and communications.Other duties as assigned.Requirements:Education and Experience? Bachelor's degree in manufacturing/ production or a Business-Related Degree, preferably with a focus on FMCG food technology and manufacturing.? Additional advantage with further technical or commercial qualifications.? Minimum of 5 years' experience in managing a business in the FMCG food manufacturing sector.? Proven track record of implementing world-class manufacturing practices.? Proficiency in both English with further proficiency in isiZulu/isiXhosa being advantageous.? Essential understanding of financial performance and control.Skills and other attributes? A hands-on leadership approach, demonstrating firmness and high-performance standards.? Ability to work independently, take personal initiative, and multi-tasking including strong facilitation skills and in an ever-changing dynamic operational environment.? Ability to coach others and work in a team environment with experience in conducting training.? Driver's license.Working Conditions:The CFN Manager will operate from Siyazisiza's Zululand Agri-Support Centre in Mtunzini and provide supply chain services across all regions in which the organisation operates. Extensive travel across the country will be required at times.To ApplyPlease submit your CV and a detailed cover letter, explaining why you're the right fit for this role, to ******. (Please note: Enter "Application: CFN General Manager" in the subject line.)Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as you are able. Due to the expected high number of applications, it isn't always possible for us to respond to every application. Therefore, if you have not heard back from us in 5-weeks, please assume that you have not been shortlisted for an interview on this occasion.Special NoteThis job description does not form part of the contract of employment but indicates how that contract should be performed. The job description may be subject to amendment in the light of experience and in consultation with the jobholder.
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