Qualifications

• NQF Level 8 (Hons) studying towards Master’s (NQF Level 9) is as an advantage
• Project Management certification is advantageous
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration would be advantageous
• Executive Leadership Development or Senior Leadership Development programmes advantageous

Experience

• Minimum of 6 to 8 years in a similar role within a similar environment (preferably listed entities), Management consulting, Strategic operations or Business Management
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working with executive leadership and board members
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects
• Knowledge of industry-specific business processes and systems
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams

Duties

Provide direct support to the Acting COO:

• Collate information and draft reports for board and executive purposes
• Manage internal and external communications including reports, presentations and speech writing for public engagements
• Research, write, edit and/or coordinate preparation of special reports, briefings, and presentations in collaboration with the communication team and other functions as and when required.
• Gatekeeping, sense-checking and quality assessment of communication flowing to and from the office of the  Acting COO
• Structure meetings with purposeful agendas for maximum impact and efficiency in terms of attendees and input required to achieve outcomes

Strategic Planning: 

•  Leads the annual strategic planning process for the division in the capacity of project manager to ensure alignment with the  Acting COO and leadership team
• Co-ordinates and participates in strategic initiatives by leading, executing and reporting results back to the  Acting COO
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies
• Flag and report on specific local, Africa and International strategic projects and their impact on the Business Unit
• Creates and updates dashboards for reviewing select key performance indicators in collaboration with the Agri leadership team
• Strategically manages the Acting COO time through looking at long term travel calendar, evaluating opportunities and determining fit for purpose with priorities
• Researching, benchmarking, analysing data, and making recommendations based on internal and external environment Competitor analysis and trends

Project Management: 

• Lead and manage key projects from planning to execution, ensuring timely delivery and within budget
• Collaborates and brings together multiple stakeholders to helps drive decision-making
• Overseeing cross-functional organisation-wide projects and initiatives as directed
• Monitor progress against assigned strategic initiatives and deliverables (e.g., Agri Business strategy)
• Effective communication and change management plans specific to each project

Stakeholder Collaboration: 

• Work closely with key stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements
• Facilitate effective and timely communication and collaboration among various departments
• Build and maintain key stakeholder engagements

Risk Management: 

•  Identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure successful completion
• Monitor and report on the progress of projects, addressing any issues that arise and keeping stakeholders informed of potential risks/concerns