Operational Manager West (Grain) x1
Job Details
- Position: Operational Manager West (Grain)
- Location: Bloemfontein (West Region)
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Industry: Agriculture / Grain Management and Operations
Job Description
The Operational Manager West (Grain) is responsible for managing and coordinating grain operations across the West Region. The role focuses on ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant handling, storage, grading, and movement of grain while maintaining quality standards and achieving operational objectives.
The successful candidate will lead operational teams, oversee grain grading and quality assurance, manage budgets and risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to support business performance and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Management
- Oversee and optimise daily grain operational activities across the West Region.
- Ensure efficient grain handling, storage, and movement processes.
- Monitor operational performance and implement improvements.
- Ensure operational targets and business objectives are achieved.
- Coordinate activities across operational sites within the region.
Leadership and Staff Management
- Lead and manage operational teams.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and develop employees.
- Conduct performance management and staff evaluations.
- Promote employee engagement and productivity.
- Foster a positive and high-performance working environment.
Grain Grading and Quality Control
- Ensure accurate grain grading according to industry standards.
- Maintain grain quality assurance processes.
- Monitor grain storage conditions and quality controls.
- Ensure compliance with grading regulations and standards.
- Address quality-related operational challenges.
Risk Management and Compliance
- Implement risk management strategies.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Monitor adherence to company policies and industry requirements.
- Identify operational risks and implement corrective actions.
- Promote a culture of safety and compliance.
Financial and Budget Management
- Prepare operational budgets.
- Monitor expenditure and financial performance.
- Control operational costs while maintaining service standards.
- Analyse financial reports and operational data.
- Ensure efficient utilisation of resources.
Project Management and Continuous Improvement
- Plan and implement operational projects.
- Lead process improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Monitor project progress and outcomes.
- Ensure successful delivery of operational projects.
Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Build and maintain relationships with:
- Grain producers and suppliers
- Customers
- Service providers
- Industry stakeholders
- Manage stakeholder expectations effectively.
- Facilitate communication between operational teams and external partners.
- Support business growth through strong stakeholder engagement.
Minimum Requirements
Educational Qualifications
Essential
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- Relevant Diploma or Degree in:
- Agriculture
- Operations Management
- Business Management
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Related field
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 5 years’ management experience.
- Extensive experience within the grain industry.
- Experience managing operational teams and processes.
Advantageous
- Experience managing grain storage facilities or silos.
- Experience in agricultural operations management.
- Experience in grain quality assurance and grading.
Professional Requirements
Essential
- Valid Driver’s Licence.
- Completed Grain Grading Courses.
- Strong knowledge of grain grading standards and regulations.
Key Skills and Competencies
Leadership Skills
- Team leadership.
- Employee development.
- Performance management.
- Coaching and mentoring.
Operations Management Skills
- Operational planning.
- Process optimisation.
- Resource management.
- Performance monitoring.
Financial Management Skills
- Budget preparation.
- Cost control.
- Financial analysis.
- Resource allocation.
Risk Management Skills
- Risk identification and mitigation.
- Regulatory compliance.
- Health and safety management.
- Operational governance.
Project Management Skills
- Project planning and implementation.
- Continuous improvement.
- Change management.
- Process enhancement.
Communication Skills
- Bilingual communication:
- Afrikaans
- English
- Written and verbal communication.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Report writing and presentations.
Interpersonal Skills
- Human relations.
- Relationship management.
- Negotiation.
- Conflict resolution.
- Team collaboration.
Technical Skills
- Grain grading knowledge.
- Grain storage management.
- Agricultural operations.
- Quality assurance and compliance.