Operations Executive

**AVI Ltd. **is known for its leading household brands across many categories including: hot beverages, sweet and savoury biscuits and snacks, frozen convenience foods, personal care products, cosmetics, shoes, accessories, and fashion apparel.

**NATIONAL BRANDS LIMITED** operates 5 manufacturing sites, offering world class manufacturing facilities in Isando (Johannesburg), Rosslyn (Pretoria), Westmead and Durban (KZN). It is home to some of the best-known South African tea, coffee and creamer brands, including our delicious range of much-loved savoury and sweet biscuits, and our melt-in-your-mouth snack range.

**Line Manager**: Operations Director

**Job Specification**:
**Key Performance Areas**:

- Leading and directing the factory to reach strategic goals, operational goals and key performance targets with astute business awareness and sound commercial rational.
- Leading the site management team to collectively ensure a safe work environment, production efficiency, quality control, strict cost management and reliable product supply.
- Foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement and teamwork on the entire site with the support of the HODs and central support functions, according to our manufacturing principles to improve and sustain all areas of the operation.
- Ensure Policy and strategy alignment, thought leadership and innovative thinking to ensure future success and sustainability of the factory.
- Ensure adherence to people practices which include People development, Communication, Industrial Relations, Performance management
- Manage the factory within defined corporate systems which include: Demand Planning Systems, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Safety, Health and the Environment (SHE), Risk Management, Resource and Information Management, budgeting and cost management.
- Act as an ambassador for the NBL culture and values and to uphold standards and ethics
- Be the custodian of quality and food safety ethos and principles as a food manufacturer.
- Deliver innovation projects, capital projects and other improvement projects on site.
- Take ownership of the site and its ongoing condition, compliance and performance.

**Minimum Requirements**:
**Experience**:

- 10 + years’ experience in a complex Factory/Plant Management leadership role within an unionised environment is not negotiable
- Extensive experience in a manufacturing environment at a senior level is essential
- Experience in running multiple sites, including processing and utilities is essential
- Current or previous experience in a food manufacturing environment would be an advantage
- Proven track record in setting and implementing strategies
- Leadership experience should include proven ability to lead multi-functional teams

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelors’ degree in Engineering (Chemical, Industrial, Mechanical)
- Business related post-graduate qualification would be ideal

**Additional Requirements**:

- Ability to demonstrate a detailed understanding of Production, Engineering and Inbound Logistics with a broad understanding of Finance, HR, R&D, and Marketing
- Ability to innovate and identify opportunities for Continuous Improvement is essential
- Strategic and analytical thinking ability with Strong delivery focus
- Strong Leadership skills, including the ability to lead a multi-functional teams
- Ability to work within a complex structure, influence others and communicate at all levels
- Commercially minded with strong financial skills and an ability to develop business cases
- Ability to communicate clearly and influence at senior levels of the organisation
- Ability to optimise business performance and develop a performance-driven culture
- Ability to remain composed and resilient while being flexible and open to change