Agri Business Development Director - Tzaneen - Veblen Director Programme

Agri Business Development Director - Tzaneen - Veblen Director Programme

Job Overview

Veblen Director Programme is seeking to hire an experienced Agri Business Development Director for our client based in Tzaneen.

About the Role

We are looking for a highly skilled professional with expertise in agriculture, business development, and leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to drive growth and expansion in the agri-business sector.

The role involves overseeing all aspects of farm operations, including production planning, budgeting, and financial management. You will also be responsible for managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and government agencies.

To succeed in this role, you must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. You should also be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

• Production and Growth Strategy Development: Develop and implement Five (5) year growth and expansion strategy/plan.
• Technical Evaluation: Conduct technical evaluation of all orchards soils and tree health using AGES and Aerobotics.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to build a positive company image.
• Benchmarking: Conduct industry benchmarks on cost technology and people trends.
• Financial and Business Management: Collaborate and participate in setting up budgets, monitoring, allocating resources, reviewing, and making mid-year adjustments.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly and/or project finance reports for management to provide insight into the company.
• Business Performance: Contribute to business profitability by managing people and resources to establish and accomplish business objectives.
• People Management: Instill discipline within the management and labor force.
• Leadership Development: Set performance agreements, manage subordinates, coach, and mentor the team.
• Succession Planning: Develop successors for critical positions.
• Labor Relations: Create a healthy labor relations environment through continuous employee engagement.
• Health and Safety: Accept and execute 16(2) and GMR2(1) Role and Responsibilities.
• HSMS Management: Manage and implementation of HSMS.
• Risk Management: Drive hazard identification and development risk assessments for all operations.
• Audit Support: Support and achieve maintenance ISO45001 Accreditation in South African Production Units.
• Capital Projects: Conduct and compile feasibility studies for new projects and/or development.
• Project Management: Engagement with internal operations managers for requirements.
• Capital Approval: Technical review and approval of capital projects (Capex Requests).
• Project Execution: Setup budget capex request and execute project timeously and within budget.
• Operational Activities: Develop and implement a picking management system and reporting.
• Pest and Disease Management: Pest and disease monitoring and control.
• Warehouse Management: Warehouse management and stock control.

Requirements

Education:

Degree in Agricultural sciences or other relevant fields. Postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.

Experience:

At least 10-15 years experience in a packhouse operational environment preferably agriculture. At least 5 years experience in 16(2) role or similar roles on Health and Safety.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Technically years to manage an export subtropical fruit business.
• Good people management skills across all levels of the business.
• Detailed knowledge of external accreditation requirements for local and export markets.
• Financial planning and control.
• Knowledge of the legal framework for farming operations across Africa.
• High level of computer literacy.
• Integrity, passion for work, excellence, and success.
• Excellent communicator with attention to detail.
• Business acumen with analytical problem-solving ability.
• Results-driven team player.
• Ability to work under constant pressure.
• Self-starter and ability to work independently and as part of a team.