Job Description

VACANCY ADVERTISEMENTThe following position is currently available at Sernick Feed Factory on the farm Liebenbergstroom outside the town of Edenville (situated about 60km from Kroonstad) in the Free State Province.CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)This position reports directly to the Managing Director - Sernick Feeds.WHO WE ARE:The Sernick Group was founded in 1982 and is a diversified organisation with an integrated value chain in the agricultural sector. The group employs more than 500 people with annual revenues exceeding R2 Billion. The diverse nature of the group consists of 11 Operating Units operating across the Agri Value Chain.

• Sernick Land
• Sernick Cash Crops
• Sernick Bonsmara Stud
• Sernick Commercial Herd
• Sernick Phase C Testing Centre
• Sernick Feeds
• Sernick Feedlots
• Sernick Beef Abbattoir
• Sernick Retail
• Sernick Research and Inovation
• SerDev

THE FUTURE OF THE GROUP IS WELL EMBEDED IN IT'S VISION FOR 2030 NAMELY:Our vision for 2030 at Sernick is one of relentless growth and the evolution of a dynamic enterprise with multifaceted operations. Central to this evolution of the optimization of our integrated value chain, emphasizing both capacity and capability. We are committed to not only expanding horizontally but also vertically, diversifying our range of value-added, high margin products.These strategic initiatives will empower the Sernick Group to achieve sustainable and profitable growth, solidifying our competitive advantage in both local and international markets. Our aim is not just to increase market share but also to lead the charge in transforming South Africa's agricultural sector.KEY DRIVERS OF VISION 2030 INCLUDE:

• Cultivating world class leadership to unleash the full potential of every member of the Sernick Team.
• Embracing continuous technological innovation.
• Implementing precise economic modeling for each operating unit.
• Making data-driven management decisions.
• Elevating our already esteemed brand.
• Seizing opportunities for market consolidation through strategic growth initiatives and capital investment.

EXPECTED OUTCOME:Doubling the scale and revenue of the Sernick Group, accompanied by a substantial increase in EBITDA. This strategic leap is designed to deliver significant value to all stakeholders.Sernick Feeds forms an integrated part of this vision with a strong brand and client base specifically in the Free State and adjacent provinces, but it is on an exploration path to expand nationally.As part of its succession planning strategy, Sernick Feeds require to appoint a Chief Operating Officer with the capability and capacity to become, through development and performance, the successor for the current MD incumbent.WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?You have a track record of consistent performance and with a definitive ambition to become the MD of an Operating Unit and to lead the Management Team and a Staff Compliment ranging between 130 and 150 employees.You and your family enjoy the rustic environment of the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of cities. Kroonstad is a typical large agricultural orientated town with all the facilities associated with such communities. (Hospitals, schools, major retailers such as Shoprite, Checkers, Pick 'n Pay, Woolworths, Clicks etc)Your data driven based decision-making approach will be a definitive pre-requisite and to measure the performance targets of every processing value chain is a preference.You have a strong technology and technical background and understand how to manage and lead an operation, working under stressful conditions whilst achieving volume targets, secure product quality and exceed customer expectations.In addition, you are energetic and responsive to the challenges imbedded in the management of your team and staff and engage comfortably with a team of Technical Advisors who spearhead the marketing and sales drive to the market.ABOUT THE JOB:The successful applicant will fulfil the role as the 2IC for the Managing Director of the feed factory and will be responsible for the end-to-end value chain, its optimisation and the establishment and leveraging of a continuous improvement practice.It's imbedded in the job to thrive on challenges, the creation of solutions and the quest to be the best.REQUIREMENTS

• A degree/postgraduate qualification in any one or more of the following fields:

• Industrial Engineering.
• Process Engineering
• Operations Engineering
• Animal Nutrition
• Marketing
• Business Management and Entrepreneurship
• It will be beneficial if you are in possession of an MBA qualification.
• Experience in marketing animal nutrition products, with the ability to act as a technical advisor.
• In-depth knowledge of financial management, including interpreting financial statements and strategic planning.
• Exposed and capable of using a universal set of software applications.
• Exposure, understanding and experience in the agricultural commodities market with specific reference to commodities used in the feed manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of the legal framework within which feed factories operate and adequate understanding of industry organizations like AFMA.
• Superior quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
• Exceptional spoken and written abilities in Afrikaans and English. The ability to speak and understand Sotho will be an added advantage.

RESPONSIBILITIESThe primary function of this position will be:

• Design and implement business strategies, plans and procedures
• Set comprehensive goals for performance and growth
• Establish policies that promote Feed Factory culture and vision
• Oversee daily operations of the company and the work of executives (IT, Marketing, Sales, Finance etc.)
• Lead employees to encourage maximum performance and dedication
• Evaluate performance by analysing and interpreting data and metrics
• Write and submit reports to the MD in all matters of importance
• Support MD in all matters related to management of Sernick Feeds.
• Participate in expansion activities (investments, acquisitions, corporate alliances etc.)
• Manage in conjunction with the MD relationships with partners, vendors and all relevant stakeholders.

WHY JOIN THE SERNICK GROUP?

• The Sernick Group has over 46 years of heritage with a leading brand contributing to food security and a new South Africa.
• Join a team culture of frankness and collective support wherein performance is non-negotiable, and victories are celebrated.
• You will have the opportunity to lead and shape the future of a well-established animal nutrition factory.
• You will be a part of a company that values innovation, quality, and excellence.
• A competitive remuneration package inclusive of incentive schemes will be offered.

If you meet the above qualifications and are ready to take on a new challenge, please apply online with a detailed Curriculum Vitae, supporting documentation and a cover letter motivating your application.Closing date: 15 November 2024 at 16:00Effective date of appointment: 1 February 2025.Applications not meeting all of the minimum requirements above, will not be considered. If you are not contacted within 4 working days from the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful. The Sernick Group can expire jobs at any time at its own discretion.The Sernick Group and/or its subsidiary companies will use any personal data collected through the job advertisement for recruitment purposes only and, should your application be successful, for purposes connected with your employment.The Sernick Group is an equal opportunity employer. The Sernick Group's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to The Sernick Group's Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. The Sernick Group actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.

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