SUMMARY:
Grower Services Manager- Nelspruit - AGRI / Food production
POSITION INFO:
The Grower Services Manager is responsible for sourcing and procurement of produce, as well as forecasting the volume of the crop expected with the support of the Horticulturist, coordinating deliveries and ensuring the best financial return and accurate determination for every grower delivery. The role requires an analytically strong person. Effective grower communication and the development and maintenance of strong grower relationships are essential aspects of this role.
Primary Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Pre-Season:
Ensuring accurate supplier volume projections to determine expected volumes for the year for budgeting & planning purposes, by means of on-farm visits as well as crop forecasting models.
Conduct on-farm visits to establish and maintain relationships with suppliers/farmers.
Grower liaison:
Ensure suppliers/farmers continue to develop and implement best practice on farms that emphasize quality of the product and provide continuous improvements to meet quality standards of the product.
Ensure that grower communications in terms of newsletters, meeting and study groups are held regularly throughout the year and maintain open communication channels.
Implement, monitor and constantly update business intelligence systems to interpret statistical data in real-time in order to give feedback and monitor trends.
Oversee supplier validation audits, with supplier support and supplier advanced product quality planning (APQP).
Ensuring supplier product meet Company delivery and quality expectations as far as possible while upholding.
Company Brand Name under the farming community.
Perform ad-hoc analysis of quality and financial performance of grower deliveries and seasonal results.
Support the Shareholders (Growers) professionally.
Receiving and Sample Lab
Responsible for the budget allocations for the Grower Services, Sample Lab and Receiving departments.
Set targets, objectives and goals for both the Sample Lab and Receiving departments.
Liaise and provide necessary support for the managers of the Receiving and Sample Lab departments to ensure a common goal is created and achieved.
Generate / oversee a delivery schedule to ensure that all product is received during the given time period.
Communicating departmental performance, outcomes and deliverables to the board of directors by means of a quarterly board report.
Qualifications and skills
Education: BSC in Agri-Sciences or B.com in a related field.
Experience
5 Years’ functional experience
Strong Computer Literacy, Numeracy and Analytical Skills
Excellent Interpersonal Relationships and Communication Skills
Must be Self-Motivated, Disciplined, Ethical and Confident
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Attention to Detail, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving.
Time management and decision-making skills
Understanding Food Safety standards and compliance requirements
Ability to interpret and implement policies, processes and objectives
Salary - Market related
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