The Branch Manager will be crucial in establishing our presence in South Africa, focusing on promoting our food supply chain solutions to clients and stakeholders. This position requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in the food industry, a deep understanding of market dynamics, and a passion for driving growth through innovative business practices.
Duties & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Business Development: Conduct comprehensive market research to identify growth opportunities in the food supply chain sector. Develop, implement, and monitor targeted business development strategies for the South African market. Build and maintain relationships with potential clients, distributors, government entities, and industry stakeholders to enhance business prospects. Operational Leadership: Oversee the daily operations of the branch office, ensuring efficiency and alignment with corporate objectives. Develop and manage budgets, ensuring resource allocation aligns with business goals while maximizing profitability. Implement best practices for operational processes, maintaining high standards of service delivery. Marketing and Brand Promotion: Create and execute marketing plans to increase awareness of our food supply chain services within the South African market. Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and networking functions to enhance visibility and build connections. Collaborate with the corporate marketing team to tailor promotional materials and campaigns for the region. Team Development and Leadership: Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing local team, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities. Set performance objectives, conduct regular reviews, and ensure team accountability. Market Analysis and Reporting: Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to inform business strategies. Prepare detailed reports on business performance, market insights, and growth initiatives for senior management. Utilize analytics to assess the effectiveness of business development efforts and adjust strategies as necessary.
Desired Experience & Qualification
Education:
Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Food Science, or a related field (Masters degree preferred).
Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in business development or management roles within the food supply chain industry, with a proven track record of driving sales growth. Experience with logistics, distribution, and food safety standards is highly desirable. Familiarity with local market dynamics and regulatory frameworks in South Africa. Skills: Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities to navigate complex market landscapes. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a diverse range of stakeholders. Demonstrated leadership skills with experience in managing and developing teams in a multicultural environment. Proficiency in project management, budgeting, and operational oversight. Other Requirements: Knowledge of South African business practices, cultural nuances, and regulatory frameworks is advantageous. Willingness to travel within the region as required. Candidates with proficiency in French, Arabic, and English would be an advantage
