Area Manager: Funeral Services (Limpopo Region)

Findojobs South Africa; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established funeral services company in South Africa is seeking a results-driven individual to lead regional sales strategies and operational management. The ideal candidate will oversee the implementation of marketing plans, ensure profitability, and foster stakeholder relationships. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and financial acumen are essential for success in this role. You will work for a company with a long-standing history and a commitment to employee development.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills to develop and analyze strategic plans.
• Experience in developing stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to manage financial health and resource allocation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of regional sales and operational strategies.
• Oversee financial management and operational effectiveness.
• Build a successful team through coaching and mentoring.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive, and resilient individual to lead the execution and monitoring of regional sales and operational strategies, aiming to achieve sales targets and profitability. The role involves overseeing the implementation of funeral services marketing and operational plans, managing profitability and operational risks, and ensuring agencies are well-equipped to deliver dignified funerals and foster business growth through strong stakeholder relationships.

You will work for a well-established company with over 100 years of history, strong values, and a commitment to employee development and rewarding performance.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Achieve Strategic Objectives

• Analyze the province’s strategic plan and develop short- and medium-term regional sales, marketing, and operational plans for the agencies.
• Collaborate with the Provincial Manager: Funeral Service to develop and execute integrated marketing and operational plans.
• Create and implement plans to meet targets for fund funerals, private funerals, and tombstones.
• Report monthly on progress and plan adjustments.
• Identify and recommend new business opportunities and process improvements.
• Achieve regional targets in productivity, client service, and profitability.
• Evaluate regional performance using data and metrics.
• Ensure agencies meet targets and take corrective actions when needed.
• Ensure agents selling insurance are properly accredited.
• Manage the business split between Private, Fund, and Contract funeral services.

Customer Service

• Participate in developing and improving stakeholder relationships.
• Oversee funeral arrangements to ensure high-quality service.
• Implement customer service strategies to meet objectives.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders regularly.
• Coordinate between departments and involve stakeholders in marketing activities.
• Work with the senior citizens’ liaison to increase market share in aged care facilities.
• Utilize community involvement funds effectively to build trust.
• Resolve escalated complaints proactively.
• Build strong commercial relationships with key stakeholders to increase sales.
• Attend and assist with high-profile funerals.
• Achieve targeted NPS and CSAT scores.

Financial Management

• Ensure financial health through profitability, cost control, and asset efficiency.
• Prepare a capital budget for approval, covering assets and infrastructure.
• Ensure profitability and budget adherence of funeral agencies.
• Manage stock levels of products and assets efficiently.
• Implement cost-saving measures.
• Follow policies and procedures for financial transactions.
• Monitor expenses versus income, analyze variances, and implement remedial actions.

Resource Management

• Develop and maintain infrastructure to stay competitive.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet market demands.
• Ensure new offices meet sales objectives.
• Maintain standards for infrastructure, conduct asset counts, and manage inventory.

Human Resource Management

• Build a successful team through coaching and mentoring.
• Maintain a pipeline of trained assistant agents.
• Ensure agencies have signed performance contracts aligned with company goals.
• Develop and implement training plans for agents and staff.
• Ensure adequate staffing and address non-compliance issues.
• Communicate policies and strategies regularly to agents.

Operational Effectiveness

• Optimize resource utilization and adhere to quality standards.
• Achieve performance targets within budgets.
• Oversee funeral operations to ensure results align with strategy.
• Coordinate with support services to enhance operational efficiency.

Risk Management

• Manage risks and ensure compliance with policies and legislation.
• Conduct bi-annual audits at agencies to identify operational risks.
• Review audit reports and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure agents follow policies and standards to maintain integrity.
• Conduct regular asset and stock counts and manage vehicle fleet maintenance.