Department Manager, Commercial

Our client, within the automotive component manufacturing space, is seeking a Commercial Department Manager (SALES) to join their Profit Management Division. The position requires an individual with excellent leadership and management skills, who can manage a variety of cross-functional teams, with combination of knowledge, skill, and experience in commercial & financial field.

**MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS**:
**EDUCATION**:
Relevant NQF7 tertiary qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or Engineering

**EXPERIENCE**:
Minimum 15 years’ experience in Automotive /Component Manufacturing
Minimum 10 years management experience.
MS Office competency to at least Intermediate level.

**RELEVANT JOB KNOWLEDGE**:
Knowledge of manufacturing processes, Kaizen & Lean Manufacturing.
Ability to gather, analyse data and to work with figures.
Able to develop strong relationships at an Executive level, influencing people to reach targets and promoting the Toyota Boshoku culture in the plant.
Manage people, liaise with all internal functions, promote development, and manage improvement actions.
Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and to handle multiple complex projects and situations simultaneously.

**KEY PERFORMANCE AREA: (Other duties may be assigned considering business priorities)**
**General**
- Oversee:_
Overall management of the Purchasing, Supplier Management and Sales Department that includes developing, leading, and executing relevant business strategies.
Direct and co-ordinate the activities of personnel responsible in the above-mentioned departments.
Active involvement by crafting negotiation strategies and close deals with optimal terms.
Proactivity assesses, manages, and mitigates risks by implementing preventative measures in each area.
Delegate objectives as appropriate and facilitate employee’s compliance through the HR systems, and procedures in place.
Member of Manufacturing Support Team, focusing on systemic, continuous improvement and strategic issues.
Interview, select and adequately train employees to meet required standards.
Succession planning - adequately train senior employees to ensure smooth running of all responsibilities in your absence.
Coach and develop employees in line with the skills development and equity acts and anticipated future business needs.
Manage and control all customer specific specifications and ensure requirements are met.
Ensuring compliance with all ISO standards, OSH Act and all customer audit requirements.
Ensure adherence to EHS Standards, Policies and Procedures and implementation at all levels.
Create a safe work environment for all staff and instill EHS practices amongst employees.
Ensure Personal Development Plans are in place for all your direct reports including other members of your teams.
Conduct at least two annual appraisals with all direct reports and ensure all subordinates are trained in appraisals and conduct appraisals with relevant employees to deadlines agreed.
Compliance with quality standards and all other relevant and prescribed business standards.

**Purchasing, OE & Plant**:

- Oversee:_
Develop, implement purchasing, and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
Oversee contract negotiations and formulating policies with suppliers.
Review, evaluate and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.
Support quality and logistics department to resolve problematic suppliers.
Optimum sourcing of components and material
Supplier base development
Localization of parts
Cost management
Co-ordinate annual supplier meetings

**Supplier Management**:

- Oversee:_
Supplier selection for new project parts and materials activities
Technical support to suppliers for their development
Production & modification of supplier tools such as plastic injection moulds, press die etc.
Project management at suppliers to ensure their readiness to supply.

**Sales**:

- Oversee:_
Negotiate optimal pricing with the customer.
Resolve concerns and/or complaints by our customer relating to price, delivery, and quality.
Sections strategy preparation and management
Provide timeous response to the customer request/or quotations.
Meet profit targets.

**Competencies**
Vision and challenge
Strong leadership capabilities
Ownership and initiative
Broad perspective
Considered and timely decision making
Planning and prioritization
Execution and perseverance
Organizational enhancement
Inspiration and motivation
People development