VACANCY: CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)

Wildeklawer Sports Tournament; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Wildeklawer Sports Tournament in South Africa seeks an accomplished Chief Operating Officer to lead our executive team and drive performance across large-scale production and packhouse operations. You will align strategy with execution, optimise processes and maintain quality standards.

The role emphasizes leadership, financial discipline and a hands-on approach to operational detail in a high-pressure production environment, with a focus on growth and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of senior management experience, ideally in agribusiness or large-scale production
• Proven ability in strategic planning, financial management and risk oversight
• Tertiary qualification in Agricultural or Civil Engineering or related field
• Strong technical aptitude and comfort with complex operations
• Genuine passion for agriculture and high standards of quality and safety

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a senior management team and set operational strategies.
• Oversee daily operations, packhouse processes, compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Manage staff, performance, and a culture of accountability.
• Direct logistics, transport, storage and distribution to optimise cost and efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to optimise equipment and processes.
• Monitor performance metrics, cost control, and strategic investment activities.
• Maintain strong relationships with key partners, suppliers and stakeholders

Skills

Senior management leadership

Operational excellence

Strategic planning

Financial management

Risk oversight

People management

Communication skills

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Agricultural Engineering

Civil Engineering

Job description

A leading fresh produce enterprise in South Africa is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to join its executive team, based near Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

The company is a key player in the agricultural sector and supplies both local and international markets, with operations spanning several large-scale production units and advanced packhouse facilities.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced operational leader to take on a central role, driving performance, growth and innovation in a fast-moving, high-impact environment.

This senior management appointment requires a candidate who is comfortable operating at executive level, while also understanding and driving the operational detail, people management, financial discipline and quality standards required in a high-pressure production and packhouse environment.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership: Lead and inspire a senior management team, establish operational strategies and ensure seamless execution of business objectives.

Operational Excellence: Oversee daily operations, assets and packhouse processes while ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards. Proactively solve problems, make decisions and drive operational excellence.

People Management: Manage staff, develop teams, oversee performance management and establish a culture of accountability.

Logistics and Supply Chain: Manage transport, storage and distribution to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering and Technical Collaboration: Work closely with technical and engineering teams to optimise processes and equipment performance.

Financial and Strategic Oversight: Monitor performance metrics, ensure cost control and contribute to strategic planning, expansion and investment activities.

Stakeholder Management: Maintain strong relationships with key partners, suppliers and stakeholders.

Position Requirements

• At least 15 years’ senior management experience, ideally in agribusiness, food production or large-scale industrial operations
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management and risk oversight
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Agricultural or Civil Engineering, or a related field
• Strong technical aptitude
• A genuine passion for agriculture is essential
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation, negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritise under pressure, meet deadlines and consistently maintain high standards

This is a long-term opportunity for a person with a strong ownership mentality, practical management ability and the drive to work with the management team