Operations Manager

Operations Manager - Advanced Agri and Food The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation’s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state. The CSIR has a vacancy for an Operations Manager in the Advanced Agriculture Food Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for creating an effective and efficient cluster level operations environment to enable the delivery and achievement of short-term operational goals and targets and efficient day-to-day operations. Ensuring that operations are effectively managed and resources efficiently aligned to deliver value. Overseeing the SHEQ and risk management activities and facilitating engagements with Shared Services staff. This position is based in Pretoria. For more information about the cluster: Agriculture Food Key Responsibilities Drive Cluster Operations together with Cluster Executive, Impact Area and Research Centre Managers and relevant Project Managers; Ensure the integration of Cluster level business operations considerations for effective and efficient delivery; Responsible for the development and implementation of systems and processes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the business operations of cluster; Coordinate resources to perform overall business operations including support functions in collaboration with Cluster Executive, Impact Area and Research Centre Managers and relevant Project Managers; Oversee the quality operations of the business operations related solutions, plans and reports for the relevant clusters in collaboration with Cluster Executive, Impact Area and Research Centre Managers and relevant Project Managers; Contribute to the budgeting process in collaboration with Finance, line management and Business Development and Commercialisation portfolio; Monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with central portfolios; Develop, improve and maintain business systems including quality; Exchange information, track service delivery progress and quality, assist with service improvement efforts and report progress to Divisional Operations Manager and Cluster Executive; Track delivery and ensure achievement of short-term operational performance goals against targets for clusters; Accountable for risk management including Health and Safety in the cluster; Coordinate internal and external audits within the division. Qualifications, Skills and Experience An Honours degree in agriculture, biology, chemistry, food science, process engineering and related field or management domain, with at least five years experience in a complex, multi-projects and matrix type environment with a solid track record in the following Operational planning and implementation; Solid understanding of business planning and regulatory issues; Project and programme management; Business and finance management; A solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics, for informed decision-making. A post-graduate qualification in Business Administration will be advantageous; Relevant certification or accreditation in operations management will be advantageous; All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The incumbent should have: Organisational skills; Project and portfolio management; Excellent communicator with strong business understanding – both verbal and written; Financial Management; Enterprise risk management; Stakeholder Relationship Management; Business development; Ability to diagnose problems quickly and have foresight into potential issues; Advance MS Office suite, including presentations. What’s in it for you? Flexible hybrid work arrangement; Learning and development opportunities. Competitive and market-related remuneration packages. Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme. We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards. PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY. For more info, please email us at Please do-not send your application to this mailbox, it is only for enquiries. The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified. #J-18808-Ljbffr