National Technical Manager

**NATIONAL TECHNICAL MANAGER - DURBAN - 75K CTC**: Purpose of Role The incumbent will take overall responsibility to develop and ensure quality products. This would include profitability, operational excellence, optimization of the value chain and developing the leadership talent pool. Oversee the optimized running of the manufacturing value chain in its entirety, from procurement or sourcing of raw materials to finished goods, ensuring total customer satisfaction in relation to product performance. - Manage formulations and raw material costs. - Cash Flow Management - Manage Capital and Maintenance spend - Working Capital Management b) Industry Complexity Manufacture of quality products that meet industry requirements. A strong focus to improve the overall performance and cost efficiency of final products. c) Leadership Reports to Commercial Executive and is a member of the SA Council for Natural Scientists as well as SA Society of Animal Production. Responsible for overall technical support to national sales team. **Top 3-6 Accountabilities **< **1. Formulations, Quality Control, Premix Room & Waste**: - Manages and ensures that Technical Manager (Production) understands and manages formulations and quality control. - Ensures that proper quality control systems are in place to maintain the production of quality products. - Manages and ensure that Technical Manager (Production) understands and manages premix room, waste disposal and truck spraying. - Ensures that correct procedures are followed in regard to traceability. **2. Production**: - Liaise with production to ensure that upgrades in plant are done to maintain quality and traceability. **3. Purchasing of raw material**: - Liaise with buying department to optimize on the purchasing of raw materials. - Search and investigate alternative raw materials. - Negotiate with suppliers to ensure optimum quality and price. - Assist with managing budgets and forecasts. **4. Legal Matters**: - Ensures all products and procedures meet the requirements of Act 36/1947 and for export. - Strengthens product image by assuring customer of products meeting the legal requirements. - Ensure products exported to Namibia are registered properly. - Represent at AFMA. **5. Product Development**: - Ensure added value to sugar by-products of bagasse and molasses. - Identifies needs for new products in field of operation - Ensure most up to date nutrients are included for a cost-effective formulation & upgrades existing product as well as formulating new ones, to ensure quality and effectiveness. - Writes articles to assist in the marketing of products. - Ensure that correct research is done to develop and monitor products. **6. Claims**: - Handles all product related technical claims (quality, performance, off specification). - Ensure that the correct procedures are followed. **7. Sales Support**: - Assist sales agents with on-farm visits, writing of articles, radio interviews, addressing of farmers days. - Co-ordinate all training with co-ops and distributers. - Develops concepts that could be used for marketing products. **Qualifications and Experience Required** - MSc in Animal Nutrition. A PhD will be a strong recommendation. - 5 years’ experience - Good knowledge of FORMAT - Nutrition Knowledge - Subject Knowledge - Procedural knowledge - Knowledge of Act 36/1947 - Computer Skills - Analysis expertise - Supervisory skills - Communication Skills - Assertiveness - Interpersonal Skills **Barriers to Success in Role **- Inability to lead teams and build relationships across cultures. - Inability to manage through and across the organisation matrix. - Inability to connect and build positive relationships. - Inability to partner with supply, demand and commercial functions.