General Manager - Lund Farms

Introduction

The General Manager will be accountable for providing leadership and successfully managing all integrated business functions and operations of Lund Farms, including Production, Finance, Health and Safety, Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Quality and Food safety and Customer Services. Responsibilities will include analyzing and revising processes and systems, implementing strategic business plans and delivery of exceptional products and service to all business entities and customers, as to ensure the growth and profitability of Lund Farms (Pty) Ltd.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction, thereby ensuring the long-term growth and viability of the business.

• Manage and lead the day-to-day Operations of the business (Production farms, Pack station, initially Feed Mill) ensuring that all aspects of poultry husbandry are adequately managed and that operational and quality standards are without exception being executed and actively maintained. Results achieved are to be regularly measured against the Key Performance Indicators, with expedient corrective action being taken to address any variances.

• Actively manage the necessary inputs, structure, and resources for delivering on Lunds Farms agreed goals, outputs, and deliverables.

• Oversee planning and implementation of production plans according to quality and quantity specifications, in line with set operational standards and cost parameters.

• Proactively seek out viable opportunities to grow and expand the business, based on proper due diligence assessments and analysis.

• Drive operational efficiencies and ensure the delivery of superior quality products and customer experiences.

• Proactively manage safety, quality, and bio-security compliance in accordance with the Company’s policy, procedures, programs, and relevant legislation, with specific focus on the prevention of diseases e.g. Avian Influenza.

• Direct and oversee the management of employees and ensure all processes such as payroll, administration, recruitment, employee relations, training and development, succession and performance management are being managed according to established Company policies and procedures, and in compliance with all stipulated Labour Legislation.

• Provide strong leadership and direction to all employees, ensuring high morale, team work, employee engagement, sound employee relations and a performance driven culture

• Ensure development and in-house training programs are in place to enhance the competencies and performance of employees, and facilitate succession planning.

• Ensure development of operational processes and procedures of the business to coordinate day-to-day workflow.

• Streamline processes to enhance efficiencies through innovation, bench marking and performance standards

• Set management targets and continuously monitor attainment thereof, with ongoing support and coaching.

• Develop and execute a sales and marketing plan/programme with the focus on maximizing sales, brand awareness, competitive pricing, and increased market share.

• Manage and maintain assets to provide desired performance and quality outcomes in a cost-effective manner.

• Ensure that the required operational, financial, manpower and administrative records and reports are generated, analyzed, and acted upon, in order to continuously improve the overall efficiency of the business.

• Ensure that sound financial management practices and principles are in operation, compliance with all internal financial policies and procedures, with strict controls in place for cash management and costs/expenditures. Compile and obtain approval of financial budget, and actively manage achieving thereof.

• Ensure that all Health and safety policies and procedures are implemented and maintained, thereby creating a safe working environment for all staff, customers, contractors, and visitors.

• Manage and review all maintenance schedules and work performed in connection with all machinery, equipment, buildings, and infrastructure. Ensuring that all maintenance work takes place in accordance with set standards and regulations, and within established authority levels and financial budget parameters.

• Liaise, as required, with key external professionals (vet, nutritionist etc.) and service /product suppliers to ensure the smooth operation of the business, and to maximize efficiencies and results achieved.

• Liaise daily with the Kuipers Group Divisional GM and Production Manager to ensure that Lund Farms meets and exceeds all strict Kuipers Group standards.

• Establish and implement a communication plan and structures, which will ensure regular and effective communication and interaction with all key stakeholders.

• Ensure that Company products are presented for sale in line with Company policy regarding quality, quantity, food safety and timeliness of delivery.

• Ensure that all customers are satisfied, and any complaints are dealt with professionally and expediently with the primary aim of keeping the customer satisfied.

• Foster a dynamic culture based on excellence in performance, team work, customer service and pride.

• Ensure that all work undertaken is performed in a manner which is in line with responsible and sound environmental management practices and standards.

• Foster a culture of professionalism, neatness, and tidiness on all entities as part of the Kuipers Group standards. Exceptional standards of housekeeping are non-negotiable and must be consistently maintained

• Liaise with local communities on a regular basis to ensure good mutual relationships that will benefit the company and area. Actively become involved in approved corporate social investment initiatives that foster self-sufficiency, and value add to the image of Lunds.

• Ensure compliance within the company of all aspects relating to Animal Welfare.

• Ensure compliance within the company of all aspects relating to Environmental laws, rules, and regulations.

• Any other reasonable duties that may be required by your senior from time to time.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications:

• Degree or Diploma in Poultry Husbandry/Agriculture definite advantage.

• Minimum of a Grade 12 National Certificate.

• Management/Leadership related courses/qualifications.

Skills and Experience necessary:

• A minimum of 5 years operational experience in the Poultry industry a definite advantage.

• A minimum of 10 years middle to Senior managerial experience in a similar field- multiple business sites and integration of all disciplines (finance, HR, Sales and Marketings, operations)

• Sound understanding and experience in implementing OHSA and environmental regulations.

• Management of maintenance function, as well as transport.

• Experience in sales management, with focus on exceptional customer satisfaction.

• Sound financial management and business acumen.

• Excellent people management.

• Strong Leadership and general management skills.

• Above average planning, organizing, and controlling skills.

• Driving exceptional performance and execution skills

• Sound decision making ability

• Customer service skills and passion

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Proficient in written and spoken English and Afrikaans

• Influencing skills

• Excellent mastering of the Microsoft Office suite

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to work in and build an effective team

• Attention to quality and standards.

• Initiative

• Positive and enthusiastic attitude

• Results and execution orientated.

• Reliable and honest

• Positive work ethic

• Flexible (deal with change)

• Able to effectively cope with work pressures and high levels of stress

• High level of Self-discipline and motivation

• In possession of a valid driver’s license

• High learning potential

Organizational Relationships:

This position reports directly to the Divisional Manager – Commercial Egg Division. The following incumbents report into the position of General Manager:

• Operations Manager.

• Financial Manager

• Production Manager.

• Pack station Manager

• Feed Mill Manager (Initial phase only)

• Key accounts / Sales Manager and sales staff.

• HR Manager and Admin Manager

• Maintenance / Transport Manager.

• Agriculture, Game and Land maintenance.

• Compost/Manure production and sales

Package & Remuneration

Competitive remuneration package, with Pension Fund.

Interested?

If you are interested in applying and you are confident that you qualify in terms of the information set out in this advertisement, please submit your CV online here.  (Only applications who meet the criteria will be considered).

If your CV is successfully matched, we will contact you to schedule an interview.  If you have not had any feedback within two weeks of the closing date of this advert, accept that you were not successful for this position.

We appreciate you taking the time to apply for employment with the Kuipers Group.