Group Head of Processing
(Forestry, Logging & Mill Operations)
Full Time
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Job Purpose:
In collaboration with Group CEO, Country CEO’s and managers of processing (pole plants and sawmills), determine and execute the operational strategic objectives of the business. Drive operational efficiencies, ensuring processing operations achieving alignment, synergies, standardisation and cost efficiencies in all group operations. Develop a successful Sawmill business across all three regions – this will entail sales/marketing, route to market, business planning in collaboration with the Sawmill Managers and Country CEO’s. Ensure business growth through directing and managing business operations activities to ensure these are delivered in accordance with the organisational strategy. To plan, direct and manage the performance of the company’ operations, as dictated by the overall strategy agreed by Exco, Group CEO and the Board, to maintain and develop business growth.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Strategy Execution and Budgetary Management
contribute to the development and refinement of NFC’s ongoing vision and strategy to ensure a sustainable business model.
support the overall process of management and corporate decision making to ensure that NFC maximises its short, medium and long-term profitability and returns to its shareholders
liaise with, and mentor, heads of operations on the implementation of the NFC operational plans
develop, review and report on the operational strategy, ensuring the strategic objectives are well understood and executed by the heads of departments
manage all operational elements of the business
drive common best operating practises in the company’s various divisions ensuring maximum efficiency in timber supply chain management, production processes, marketing and distribution
attend Exco and Manco and staff forums in the business and serve on boards of related companies (country boards) as required.
execute the responsibilities according to lawful and ethical standards
responsible for all operational aspects of business within the subsidiaries.
in collaboration with country CEO’s drive the operational plan and agenda of the subsidiaries.
help drive sales and diversify the customer and product base, ensuring that we can efficiently deliver on customers’ demands.
manage all operational aspects of the business. Standardise processes and procedures across all territories and ensure that there is transfer of skills and best practice in all subsidiaries
work closely with country CEO’s to ensure a steady flow of third-party pole by managing price and quality as well as work closely with third-party growers to ensure continuous improvement in quality of product and ethical work practices
in close collaboration with country CEO’s and local heads of business create strong relationships with all relevant stakeholders including government and key utilities.
coordinate the certification processes for:
a. FSC
b. Other related certification systems such as ISO14001 and/or OSHAS18001
in collaboration with country CEO’s and Saw Mill Managers develop a successful sawmilling business in all business territories. Develop clear business plans for product and value-addition and present plans to the Group Chief Executive Officer and subsidiary and group Board of Directors for approval.
participate in expansion activities for NFC
Managing of the overall operations function including:
Country operations – ensuring that the operations functions are run effectively and efficiently so that each operational division performs in terms with their strategic plan, developmental plan and operational plan objectives.
maintain the administration, budgeting, monitoring, reporting, communication and liaison on all operational affairs at a level acceptable to the board.
operations and controls
implement, maintain and manage an effective system of controls throughout the company, covering non-financial as well as financial controls
ensure that operating objectives and standards of performance are owned by management as well as employees
ensure that appropriate standards of conduct are established and complied with
present a yearly operational budget for Board approval and prudently manages resources within those budget guidelines according to company policy and within ethical corporate governance guidelines
management, monitoring, reporting and communication in regard to financial and physical resources, administration and budgeting
maintain and develop organisational culture, values and reputation in its markets and with all staff, customers, suppliers, partners and regulatory/official bodies
People management
in consultation with HR implement effective succession planning, people management, development, recruitment, and retention strategies for the NFC business.
manage the performance of all heads of department through the formal performance management system
promotion of diversity and inclusion, as well as business transformation
self-development and continuing personal development
Basic areas of knowledge and skills
sound commercial skills
extensive hands on experience of running sawmill operations
experience in running and managing highly productive/efficient processing operations
good project management skills
knowledge of business and management principles
sound knowledge of finance, operations and technology
strong analytical skills
disciplined completer
ability to work in a highly pressurised and complex environment
organisational skills
leadership skills
coordinating activities and resources
the ability to work collaboratively with CEO’s and other Exec Heads
a ‘hands-on’ management style
a penchant for being proactive
Knowledge and skills requirement
Previous hands on experience with setting up and running of large successful sawmill operations. Demonstrate excellence and expertise in the fields of operational management andfinancial. Demonstrate an understanding of the environment of financial and operational planning as well as investments. Demonstrate experience in the management of a team at a professional level. Effective, commercial experience in running a business with multiple locations and with a complex environment.
Travel Requirements:
There is significant travel across all three territories, this being approximately 2 weeks per month
Compensation
To be discussed