Job Description
Do you have an affinity for solving commercial and operational challenges, and a passion for manufacturing?
RCL FOODS is passionate about talent, and we are currently seeking an experienced Commercial Manager for our Beverages operating unit.
The role will be based in Pretoria and provide commercial leadership and support to the Beverages business unit and will report to the Commercial Executive for the Groceries division.
Job Purpose and Impact
Oversight of the overall category performance and drivers of the P&L To provide commercial support and insight into the operations and performance of the category/factory to achieve its targets. Finalise month-end results and compile management reports/ KPI dashboards for the category performance. Analyse the financial performance of the category in order to make recommendations based on the findings and outcomes of the analysis. Prepare the annual 5- year Strategic plan, Business Plan (budget), latest Forecast and report on performance against it on a monthly basis. Initiate and lead cost and efficiency projects. Deliver enhanced factory and category profitability/costing information designed to unlock margin opportunities and assist in focused strategic decision- making. Develop ways to increase profitability from new and existing products Capital appraisal/allocation and process governance for the category Manage and monitor company accounting procedures and policies, and internal controls, according to internal standards.
The Commercial Manager role reports to the Commercial Executive and will mainly be based in Pretoria .
Minimum Requirements
At least 8 years' Management Accounting or Financial Management experience (of which a minimum of 5 years at a Management level) gained within a FMCG or Manufacturing environment.
Excellent understanding of standard costing
It is expected that the incumbent will have an affinity for factory operational issues and be able to interact effectively with a diverse range of people across functions.
Advanced computer literacy and knowledge of MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint and an integrated accounting system.
SAP experience preferable
BCOM + Qualified CA (SA)/CGMA or similar
Duties & Responsibilities
Management Reporting
Coordinate the monthly operational finance close for the factory/category as well as perform analyses of results to test accuracy and completeness. Monthly flash and reporting of financial performance including commentary on key performance areas. Provide valuable performance analysis and reporting to senior stakeholders on a timely basis, including profitability analysis, capital expenditure reporting and variance analysis. Reporting and presentation of key performance indicator dashboards on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. Identify opportunities for value added reporting to improve the quality and content of reporting and message management.
Business Plan Process and Forecasting
Co-ordination of the annual 5-year business valuations, annual and quarterly forecasting processes for the site Compile and review inputs into the factory P&L forecast, inclusive of revenue forecasting with volume and mix analysis. Interpretation of the outcome of the forecasts ensuring that it reflects the strategic objectives of the business and initiating changes where necessary. Compiling annual budget and forecasts presentations inclusive of key insight and driver unpacking
Cost & Efficiencies
Identify and drive areas and projects of improvement (i.e. cost and/or efficiency) with the site management and supervisory teams Ensure that all Business KPI’s are clearly defined & create visibility to enable management to make informed decisions Effectively communicate and present findings as well as recommendations to the operating unit Exec team Provide insight and interpret the impact of key cost drivers on profitability. Guiding operational teams on commercial impacts of decisions being made Tracking of best-in-class initiatives versus the required targets and reporting/investigating any deviations
Profitability Analysis
Provide meaningful profitability information and recommend ways to optimise site, category, channel and business profitability. Support the operational and customer team in the use of system tools regarding costing and profitability. Monthly and quarterly profitability and deep dive reporting across all operating units Provide profitability insights and recommendations to management team Provide inputs into the improvements and maintenance of contribution margins through volume mix, pricing, promotional activity decisions and cost saving initiatives
NPD and Costing Process
Managing the factory specific continuous costing process for new product development or changes to existing products/manufacturing processes relating to the category Evaluating impact on pricing and profitability of any NPD and/or change to offerings for the site Review BOM audits, process audits, price recovery assessments as well as costing equipment impact assessments to reduce yield/usage variances for the site/category Review calculations, detailed analysis and associated recommendations emanating from any initiatives that arise through cost saving initiatives, changes in business operations, BOM/product offering changes which potentially might offer more profitable solutions for the site/category Ensure that profitability models/system(s) inputs (i.e. perform calculations, understand routings) are maintained by teams on a daily/weekly/monthly basis for the site/category
Capex Management
Act as the gatekeeper when it comes to any capital investment required by assessing both the business requirement as well as the commercial impact. Ensure that the capital spend is within budgeted guidelines. Evaluate capital investment projects as and when they arise by reviewing the financial indicators and ensuring that projects yield the required return. Provide return on investment information to the Manufacturing management team to assist with the prioritisation of projects. Identify sound investment opportunities for the business and communicate such to the appropriate role-players. Ensure post implementation reviews are reported to the business.
Site Financial Controls
Manage and monitor company accounting procedures and policies, and internal controls, according to internal standards. Implement and communicate Corporate Governance charter / sound accounting practices to management on site. Manage expenditure in relation to approved budgets and LOA’s
Commercial Insight and Technical Expertise
Provide calculations, detailed analysis, presentations and associated recommendations emanating from any and all queries that arise as a result of changes in business operations, the economic climate or potentially might offer more profitable solutions. Provide expertise in management team meetings to internal clients and colleagues and recommend solutions based on insights and findings. Provide practical commercial expertise and insights to the Beverages Exec and run with any ad hoc business performance enhancement requests.
