AssureCloud Sector Manager, Midrand at SafetySA

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement sector strategies aligned with business objectives and growth targets.
• Identify market trends, industry developments, and emerging risks within the retail sector.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery, operational effectiveness, and client satisfaction.
• Support the achievement of company strategic objectives through effective planning and execution.
• Monitor sector performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.

Operational Management

• Oversee the delivery of food safety, occupational health and safety, audit, inspection, and compliance services within the retail sector.
• Ensure services are delivered in accordance with company procedures, client requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor operational performance against established KPIs and service level agreements.
• Manage resource allocation, scheduling, and workforce utilization to optimize productivity.
• Ensure consistent quality and technical excellence across all service delivery activities.

Client Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key retail clients and stakeholders.
• Act as the primary escalation point for operational and service-related client concerns.
• Conduct regular client reviews to ensure service expectations are met or exceeded.
• Identify opportunities to expand services and strengthen client partnerships.
• Promote a customer-centric culture across all teams.

Regulatory Compliance and Governance

• Ensure compliance with applicable food safety, health and safety, environmental, and industry regulations.
• Maintain awareness of legislative changes and emerging industry requirements.
• Ensure audits, inspections, and assessments are conducted in accordance with approved methodologies and standards.
• Monitor technical performance and ensure adherence to quality assurance requirements.
• Support accreditation, certification, and regulatory requirements affecting the sector.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop Account Managers, Auditors, and Technical Specialists.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance management processes, including reviews, development planning, and coaching.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Promote company values, policies, and a positive working environment.

Financial and Commercial Management

• Manage sector budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Monitor revenue, profitability, operational costs, and resource utilization.
• Ensure achievement of financial targets and business objectives.
• Support business development activities, proposal submissions, and contract renewals.
• Identify opportunities for business growth and improved profitability within existing and new client accounts.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare and present operational, financial, and performance reports to senior management.
• Communicate sector performance, risks, opportunities, and improvement initiatives to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of client service delivery metrics.
• Facilitate effective communication between operational teams, clients, and leadership.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and service quality.
• Promote innovation and best practices within the sector.
• Implement corrective and preventative actions where required.
• Support change management initiatives and business transformation projects.
• Stay informed of industry trends, technological advancements, and market developments.

Requirements

Qualification:

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Environmental Health, Quality Management, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Business Management, Leadership, Strategic Management, or Commerce will be advantageous.
• MBA or equivalent executive leadership qualification will be advantageous.
• Professional certification in HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, ISO 45001, Lead Auditor, or related standards will be advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years' experience within food safety, quality assurance, auditing, compliance, inspection, or related industries.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a management or leadership position.
• Experience managing large retail client portfolios and key stakeholder relationships.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across multiple geographical locations.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting, and financial performance.
• Experience driving operational improvement and business growth initiatives.
• Experience working within highly regulated and compliance-driven industries. 

Skills:

• Strong strategic planning and business management skills.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and people development capabilities.
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Strong operational planning and resource management skills.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong project and change management skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Advanced report writing and analytical skills.
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.

Knowledge:

• Food safety management systems and standards.
• HACCP principles and risk management methodologies.
• Occupational Health and Safety legislation and standards.
• ISO standards and auditing principles.
• Regulatory requirements applicable to the retail and food sectors.
• Operational management and service delivery practices.
• Financial management, budgeting, and forecasting principles.
• Performance management and leadership best practices.
• Business development and account management principles.
• Continuous improvement methodologies and quality management systems.
• Industry trends, market developments, and emerging compliance requirements.

Other:

• Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours when required by operational needs.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Strong commitment to quality, compliance, and client service excellence.
• Ability to represent the organization professionally with clients, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders.

High degree of professional ethics and values aligned with:

• Integrity
• Courage
• Care
• Passion
• Innovation
• Accountability
• Preference will be given to employment equity candidates.