VACANCY: Manager - Marketing, Sales and Distribution

VACANCY: Manager - Marketing, Sales and Distribution
Published: 05 December 2017
FINANCIAL MANAGER - MARKETING, SALES AND DISTRIBUTION

Tongaat Hulett is an agriculture and agri-processing business, focusing on the complementary feedstocks of sugarcane and maize. Its on-going activities in agriculture have resulted in the development of unique skills and competencies in the conversion of agricultural land to development.  This is a key driver of the fundamental shift in the pace, value unlock and economic transformation strategies in the company's land and rural development unit.

Through its sugar and starch operations, Tongaat Hulett produces a range of refined carbohydrate products from sugarcane and maize, with a number of products being interchangeable. The business's sugar operations are well placed to benefit from evolving dynamics of renewable electricity and ethanol in South Africa, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Tongaat Hulett's long-standing and deep appreciation of the socio-economic profile of the region is an integral component of the business being able to deliver on its strategic objectives

POSITION SUMMARY

This role is based at the Refinery in South Coast Road, Durban, and has dual reporting to the Tongaat Hulett Sugar South Africa Financial Director functionally and to the Executive responsible for Marketing, Sales and Distribution operationally.  The ability to work within a matrix structure with multiple reporting lines is required.

The position requires strong leadership ability, both at team and organisational level. A high level of financial skills, i.e. management accounting, financial management and financial reporting, combined with superior business acumen, a strong commercial sense and strategic intelligence is also important. The ability to understand the strategic framework of any business process needs to be combined with good project management skills, as well as communication, interpersonal and organisational skills. The position should provide bench strength/succession for Financial Director or equivalent level positions.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    Financial and Management Reporting:

The Financial Manager is required to oversee the financial and management reporting functions of the operation with the ability to interpret financial information, give insight on the performance of the business and provide direction.

Financial information must be accurate, timely and prepared on a basis consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards, applicable legislation (i.e. Companies Act, Income tax act, VAT Act) and Group Accounting policies.

Key to this process is ensuring that standards and systems of internal control both underlying the preparation of financial information and aimed at safeguarding assets and reducing the risk of error or loss are effective, adhered to and continually improved upon.

The financial manager is also responsible for the effective running of the finance department ensuring deliverables are produced to a high standard and meet set objectives. Good leadership and supervisory skills and the ability to foster a sense of teamwork and conflict resolution are required.

    Budgeting and forecasting:

The incumbent is responsible for delivering holistic budgets and forecasts cognisant of operational dynamics, budgetary guidelines, external factors and strategic themes. It is necessary to understand the broader environment in which the business operates and intellectually analyse projections, highlighting potential challenges, opportunities and decision areas in the long and short term.

     Commercial and Operational support:

It is imperative to gain an in depth understanding of the logistical footprint and the integrated nature of the ERP system underpinning the operation in order to troubleshoot problems, understand the implications of operational and system changes and to be able to enhance systems and processes.

A strong commercial sense and the ability to undertake financial evaluations, scenario planning and sensitivity analyses is required to support the business's decision-making processes.

    Regulatory obligations:

Superior business acumen and communication skill are required in order to represent and act on behalf of the business in industry forums. A practical understanding of governing legislation and its impact on the business is a pre-requisite.

This role also assumes responsibility for ensuring that all sugar industry governed cash flows are correctly determined and reporting and audit requirements are complied with.  

    Communicating with various levels within and outside of the organisation:

Excellent interpersonal and effective communication skills are required in dealing with various operational teams, regulatory bodies, internal and external auditors, service providers and customers.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS / COMPETENCIES

    Strategic intelligence - the ability to develop a strategy and ensure execution in line with companywide business plans and to see the overall picture and take a well-balanced perspective.
    Leadership and Management skills - must be able to lead and manage people and teams, programmes and projects, governance and administration, problem solve, conduct various analyses and be results orientated.
    Business acumen and strong commercial skills with the ability to anticipate factors impacting on the business in general.
    Technically strong financial management skills.
    Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
    Team player with a strong, confident and assertive personality, who can influence and persuade others as appropriate.
    Strong and sound decision making capability.
    A high level of intellectual and emotional capacity.  Must be able to tackle tough issues judiciously.
    The ability to display initiative given the need to anticipate and respond to change.
    A high level of integrity.
    Knowledge and exposure to the sugar businesses.
    Attention to detail, owing to the consequences of errors, and strong administration skills in general.
    Project Management skills.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

    A CA, or equivalent qualification, and a B Com (Accounting) from an accredited institution.  An MBA would be an advantage.
    Minimum of 5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably FMCG.
    Must have strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel. Knowledge or experience with a recognised ERP system, preferably SAP, would be particularly useful.
    A strong business systems/process improvement capability.
    Knowledge and understanding of the sugar industry would be preferable.

All Applications or Enquiries must be submitted to Michelle Scharneck -

Michele.Scharneck@tongaat.com

Deadline for applications: Tuesday, 12 December
- Online
Tags: Tongaat,

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