Area Manager ? Operations

About Ecowize:
Ecowize is a leader in providing advanced hygiene, sanitation, and food safety solutions to industries such as food manufacturing, hospitality, and foodservice. Our mission is to help businesses meet the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and compliance in the food industry. As we continue to grow and expand, we are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Area Manager to oversee operations, develop new business, and build a high-performing team in the Mpumalanga region, based out of Mbombela (Nelspruit).
Role Overview:
As the Area Manager for Ecowize in the Mpumalanga region, you will play a key role in overseeing the day-to-day operations, driving new business growth, and developing a strong local team. Your responsibilities will include managing food safety service delivery, optimizing operational processes, and expanding Ecowize’s footprint by capturing new business opportunities. A core focus of this role is growing and leading a talented team to ensure operational excellence and the continued success of our service offering.
You will also be responsible for nurturing relationships with current clients and prospects while aligning operational goals with Ecowize’s business development objectives. This role requires a proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about both operations management and growing a successful, client-focused team.

Key Responsibilities:
Operations Management:
Operational Oversight:

- Lead and manage the efficient delivery of Ecowize’s food safety products and services in the Mpumalanga region, ensuring operational excellence at all times.
- Oversee service schedules, logistics, inventory, and other operational processes, ensuring we meet client needs and exceed their expectations.
- Conduct regular on-site inspections and audits to evaluate service quality and identify areas for improvement.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including technical and customer service, to ensure the highest standards in food safety compliance and hygiene management.
- Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement:
- Monitor service quality and customer satisfaction through feedback, audits, and performance metrics.
- Identify opportunities for operational improvements and implement effective solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve client outcomes.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the team and across client sites.

Business Development:
New Business Acquisition:

- Drive new business growth in the Mpumalanga region by identifying and pursuing potential clients in food manufacturing, hospitality, and foodservice industries.
- Develop and present tailored proposals, demonstrating Ecowize’s value in food safety and hygiene solutions
- Focus on new business opportunities that can include chemicals, brushware equipment, Pest Control Management, and Hygiene Solutions, all designed with food safety in mind.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to leverage resources and generate new leads, ensuring a consistent pipeline of opportunities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders in current and potential client organizations.

Client Relationship Management:

- Serve as the primary point of contact for key clients, ensuring long-term relationships built on trust, satisfaction, and high service standards.
- Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities to expand our service offerings and increase revenue from existing clients.
- Regularly meet with clients to review performance, gather feedback, and adjust services to meet evolving needs.

Team Development & Leadership:
Team Growth & Development:

- Lead, grow, and inspire a team of field operatives, technicians, and service staff in the Mpumalanga region, ensuring high standards of service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Recruit, train, and onboard new team members, focusing on developing a skilled, motivated, and customer-centric team.
- Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous development within the team, setting clear goals and KPIs.
- Provide regular coaching and mentorship to team members, identifying opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Leadership & Motivation:

- Set clear expectations and deliver constructive feedback to team members to ensure individual and team goals are achieved.
- Establish a positive working environment where collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation are encouraged.
- Ensure all team members are well-equipped with the knowledge, tools, and training needed to excel in their roles.

Strategic Planning & Reporting:
Operational Strategy & Reporting:

- Develop and implement operational strategies for the Mpumalanga region, aligning with Ecowize’s business growth goals and market demands.
- Regularly report on operational performance, business development progress, team achievements, and market trends to senior management.
- Track and report on regional KPIs and service delivery metrics to ensure continued business success and client satisfaction.

Qualifications & Skills:
Experience:

- Minimum of 5+ years of experience in operations management, service delivery, or business development within the food safety, hygiene, or related industries.
- Proven success in leading and growing a team, managing operations, and securing new business in a competitive market.
- Experience in the food manufacturing, foodservice, or hospitality industries is highly desirable.

Skills & Attributes:

- Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to grow and motivate teams to achieve operational excellence.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of an organization.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to drive business development, improve service quality, and identify new market opportunities.
- Strong business acumen, with the ability to analyze data and market trends to inform decision-making.
- Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and work independently as well as part of a team.

Education:

- A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Food Science, or a related field is preferred.

Additional Requirements:

- A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel frequently within the Mpumalanga region.
- Fluency in English and any other language relevant to the region.

Why Join Ecowize?

- Global Leader in Food Safety Solutions: With over 25 years of expertise, we continue to deliver the highest standards in food safety and hygiene across South Africa, Namibia, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
- Impactful Work: You will play a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, making a positive impact in the food industry.
- Team Growth: You’ll have the opportunity to build and lead a talented team, driving both operational and business development success.
- Career Development: Ecowize is committed to employee development, offering opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement.
- Competitive Package: Attractive salary with performance-based incentives.

As a leader and influencer in the organisation, the successful incumbent will be an advocate for the Ecowize values of Integrity, Partnership and Excellence.
Ecowize is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.