Job Description

A UK based international innovative post-harvest technology company that extends the freshness and quality of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers, is hiring an Operations Manager for South Africa. They strive to make fresh produce safer, more available, and affordable, reducing global food waste, in an ethical and sustainable way. Their technology uses a blend of minerals and clays, to safely protect produce from field to fork.Due to continued growth, they are looking for an RSA Operations Manager to perform a variety of business administration tasks in support of their senior-level management team. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, this role sits at the heart of their business, and represents a unique opportunity to gain insight around company management within a vibrant and high growth start-up environment.The candidate should be an experienced production / logistics / operations manager with a minimum of 5 years' experience in the supply of packaging or products to the fresh produce industry or similar. They must have a clear understanding of incoterms, regional legislation and norms for both import and export. Holding an honours or master's degree in business administration, operations management or a similar subject to support the role. This is a hands-on role which requires significant time on the road visiting packhouses, manufacturers and distribution sites.As an RSA Operations Manager, the key accountabilities and responsibilities are:

• Work within a global Operations team to deliver in region supply chain and operation support.
• Work alongside a regional commercial team to ensure customer requirements and deliveries are maintained to a high standard.
• Identify and validate new manufacturing and supply chain partners.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key supply chain partners to ensure seamless growth and stability.
• Maintain up to date stock volumes of raw materials, WIP and finished goods.
• Develop and implement KPI's for key supply chain partners, ensuring high levels of accuracy are maintained.
• Develop new supply chain routes / partners to expand operations within Africa.
• Support the daily activities of the Operations team, including maintaining accuracy of spreadsheets and other digital data.
• Carry out supply chain audits ensuring quality standards and protocols are maintained.
• Demonstrate best practice and train customers and packhouses on how to use our products
• Control manufacturing and delivery processes.
• Plan and implement in region logistical strategy, ensuring targets are met.
• Oversee product storage, handling, and distribution.
• Track and provide updates for goods from origin to delivery.
• Be aware of exactly what is happening throughout the supply chain.
• Improve the overall supply chain performance and look for any possible innovations to the process.
• Manage and minimise the risks both operational or reputational that could affect or interrupt the supply chain.
• Consider the environmental impact of the supply chain to meet sustainability targets.
• Stay alert to new trends and developments in the sector.
• Must be willing to travel.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Strong planning skills.
• A logical and systematic approach to work.
• Good time and project management, with the ability to work under pressure, maintain accuracy and keep to deadlines.
• The ability to solve problems and make decisions, as well as to think strategically and laterally.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams.
• Negotiation and influencing skills.
• Business management and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• IT literacy, skills in Excel and the ability to handle electronic data.
• Understanding of risk management in the context of the supply chain.
• Good understanding of production planning.
• Experience in the fresh produce industry, operational and or logistic roles working with pack houses and distributors
• Operation Experience intra Africa fresh produce or packaging trade (import/export)
• BCom Supply Chain Management / Transport and Logistic Management
• Degree in Business, Operations Management or related field
• Fruit technical experience desirable

Apply online with comprehensive CV and cover message.

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