Chief Operating Officer jobs in South Africa

Based Durban. Join high profile, very fast moving multi-billion Rand prestigious and entrepreneurial Wholesale and Retail FMCG Group which has had an impressive growth over the last several years. There are multiple Branches nationally and this vacancy is based at their Durban Branch which is their third largest, successful and fast moving which is typical of their industry. The vacancy has arisen as the General Manager is taking early retirement. The position reports directly to the Group Chief Operating Officer. The primary role of this key vacancy is to take full responsibility for the Branch's activities and performance which employs approximately 300 staff and has a substantial turnover. The Management Team consists of a Financial Manager, Operations (= Supply Chain, Logistics & Fleet) Manager, Sales Manager and Procurement Manager and all have been employed in the business for several years. The mandate initially for the new encumbent will be to drive & increase sales and net profit which has stalled over the last 2 years, notwithstanding that the business is still profitable. Simultaneously, to analyse efficiencies in the various Departments and be personally involved in cultivating strong relationships with new and existing Customers and Suppliers in particular.

• Manage, motivate and provide strategic leadership to the Management Team specifically and staff compliment generally. In particular, create an atmosphere of energy, positiveness and proactivity noting that this business is a classic trading entity.
• Implement Group strategy and Branch strategy in line with taking full responsibility for the businesss activities and performance.
• Ensure growth in Sales and Profit Margins, ensuring there is sustainable growth. Oversee daily operations such as Sales, Distribution and Customer Service.
• Cultivate strong relationships with Customers, Suppliers and Stakeholders
• Monitor and ensure compliance with Corporate Governance, Legislation and Regulations.
• Achieve operational excellence across all areas of the business.
• Foster an environment that supports individual and team success, personal development and employee satisfaction.
• Continuously improve the Branchs performance based on STARS ranking.
• Manage Budgets, Financial Performance and allocate resources efficiently.

• Tertiary qualification in Business Management or similar is advantageous and proven senior management experience in a fast moving, trading entity.
• Solid grasp of financial concepts, understanding of business generally as well as logistics and supply chain and managing complex Teams.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and PowerPoint for reporting.
• Customer focused and driven, passionate and positive, proactive and high energy, superior interpersonal skills and sound understanding of how to cultivate business relationships and working with people.
• Strong communicator, leader, self-driven, strategically orientated with business acumen and sound problem solver.