Job Description

The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA) has a permanent opportunity available for an Operations Manager based in Mount Edgecombe.SASRI seeks to fill the position of Operations Manager. Reporting to the Director, this senior role is key in the management and co-ordination of all operations supporting the key objectives of SASRI and its delivery to the industry.The Operations Manager is a member of the senior SASRI Management team and must forge and maintain strong working relationships characterised by co-operation and mutual respect with the other functional areas of SASRI such as Finance and Administration and Human Resources. These ensure consistent delivery of effective resource provision to the research, extension and knowledge management disciplines.Duties and Responsibilities:Minimum Requirements:Education and Experience:

• Post-graduate qualification in agriculture or biological sciences, engineering or economics or business management
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in managing people, budget and associated resources. Experience in research management resources would be an advantage
• Strong leadership skills to evaluate ongoing team performance and provide coaching and training when necessary
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal communication and liaison skills with the ability to communicate clearly and appropriately with personnel at all levels, within and outside the organisation
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify opportunities for optimisation and improvement in operations as well as implement new initiatives
• Organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively and delegate tasks appropriately and work to required deadlines
• Project management skills
• Commitment to equality and management of diverse groups of people, as well as potential conflict situations
• Knowledge of related legislation, regulatory, contractual and accreditation requirements

• Active participation as part of the leadership and management of SASRI through implementation and alignment of operations to the division's strategic objectives
• Co-ordination of SASRI resources to ensure service delivery through effective and efficient use of the division's budget and other resources
• Effective management and coordination of Resource Team's support to research and technical services through positive influence for an innovative, cohesive and creative resource environment in the division
• Facilitation of the development of a mutually beneficial relationship between resource and research environments to enable SASRI staff to deliver innovative research, extension and related services for sugarcane production and processing
• Promote (market), drive, facilitate and evaluate the delivery of an excellent, but cost-effective, specialist and advisory service on sugarcane and agriculture for SASRI to become and remain the organisation of choice
• Investigation of potential commercial opportunities that could generate additional revenue for SASRI/SASA
• Identify opportunities for improvements to efficiencies and cost savings of SASRI, including through streamlining operations throughout the division
• Contribute and manage resource inputs to attain the Programme of Work targets
• Identify, develop and maintain strong relationships with third parties (local and international) that enhance expert delivery on industry needs to contribute towards becoming the recognised global leaders in sugarcane research
• Develop, implement and evaluate standard operating procedures for personnel utilising research facilities to achieve efficient operations and regulatory compliance
• Management of contractual and service obligations of SASRI

• Market Related

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