Our client, who is a leading manufacturer and supplier to the food and beverages industries, is looking to appoint a General Manager to oversee the sales and services network of the company's agency for labelling and labelling applicators in the fresh produce industry; and the supply of oil and juice extraction equipment to industrial citrus processing plants. The position will be based in Paarl, but 25 percent of successful candidate's time will be spent on travelling to maintain, strengthen and establish new business relations.
Responsibilities:
The general manager will report to the director of the Agency Division and will have responsibility for executing on the strategic goals of the business and will oversee all 25 employees in the division (label production, technical support and administration).
• The general manager should ensure that the company continue to act as a good custodian for the agency principals;
• This is a Paarl based position, with approximately 25% of the general manager’s time spent visiting customers and personnel in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and the northern provinces of South Africa and occasional overseas travel;
• The general manager is responsible for managing the budget of the agency division and annually presenting it to the board of directors;
• The company's decentralised operating model ensures that highly skilled and talented managers are recruited, after which they have the freedom to shape the division according to the strategic objectives of the business. The general manager will have the following managers reporting to him/her:
• A technical manager, who oversees a team of field technicians. (While a technical background would be useful, it is not mandatory for the general manager position)
• A factory manager, who oversees the production of fruit labels, will report to the general manager. (No prior experience in the print industry is required of the general manager)
Experience and Qualifications:
• An Agriculture, Economics or other business degree is preferable, but lack thereof is not a disqualifying factor
• 10+ years management experience
• A high level of spoken and written Afrikaans and English
• A proven track record of establishing and maintaining key business relationships, the ability to thrive in networking environments and a passion for customer service
• Excellent business acumen
• Leadership qualities, with the ability to motivate, lead and grow his/her team
• Strong negotiation and decision-making skills