Business Manager - Forestry Operations at Sappi

We are hiring!

We’re on the lookout for a Business Manager - Forestry Operations to ensure accurate and timeous financial and management information is available to management to ensure that forestry operational activities are aligned to business objectives and through analyses opportunities are identified and actioned to ensure sustainable forestry management. Oversee overall KZN Forestry business management. Optimise business resources and generate additional value

As a Business Manager - Forestry Operations  you will be responsible for:.

• Plan, reconcile, analyse and consolidate annual budgets and forecast for integrated regional forestry operations to ensure targets are achieved.
• Assist in the consolidation of the budget presentation to General Manager to ensure accuracy and alignment to business plans
• Monitor and report on monthly fixed costs and variable cost expenses against budget to achieve targets and ensure accountability, as well as identification of trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor and track plants orders with the nurseries and plants use efficiency against annual phased plan and budget to ensure delivery and keep Area Manager abreast of progress
• Manage and track tray movement by consolidating monthly tray returns reports from FMs and compare against nursery reports to ensure that trays are regularly returned to enable sowing of seed for future plantings and curb financial loss to Sappi.
• Verify forecasts and monthly financial schedules (Loan Book, Operating Statement) through TCS; AIMS, Forcelink and SAP reports to optimise delivery and curb loss. Total Sappi Business Income Statement including strategic projects
• Co-ordinate, consolidate and monitor Capex implementation within limits and budget period to maintain standards and ensure progression.
• Coordinate contract negotiations and RFP processes.
• Assist Forestry Managers with facilitating annual and periodic rate negotiations between suppliers and service providers to empower the latter stakeholders and ensure continuity
• Conduct annual and quarterly business risk audits
• Ensure Forestry Manager’s reports are timeously submitted for the compilation of the monthly report by setting and communicating fixed calendars and liaise with the area Manager
• Compile Monthly reports and Dash Boards reflecting on all business activities including keep management team abreast of progress made to achieve business objectives.
• Prepare month end sales schedules and track TCS monthly contribution reports to ensure alignment to budget and orders and identify opportunities to maximize returns to suppliers.
• Control and manage the RFPs on eCams, TCS Activations and Correct Pricing approvals to drive conformance to company regulatory standards and legislation.
• Conduct and or arrange the annual systems audits and other related technical compliance audits. Total Business Risk Analysis
• Assist the Forestry Managers and Area Managers in resolving disputes relating with regards to loan book, rates and payment queries.
• Ensure that silviculture rates are adjusted annually and uploaded into AIMS and Forcelink.
• Analyse and evaluate current process and business performance per activity and department to identify opportunities for process enhancements to drive continuous improvement
• Analyse business performance per activity and department to identify opportunities for profit improvement and cash generation through business modelling
• Develop real time management dash boards that reflects business health and allow management to make more informed decisions
• Benchmark, evaluate, build and enhance costing models for all activities and contract types.
• Benchmark and analyse contract compositions to identify areas for enhancement
• Ensure that MANCO papers are developed in line with the business guideline for all agreements and submitted for approval timeously to enhance service delivery.
• Assist in the empowerment of emergent small businesses to contribute towards the expansion of Khulisa and attainment of rateable wood fibre supply.
• Extend invitation or arrange participation by relevant stakeholders in the sharing of information and empowerment of suppliers to ensure conformance to legislation and sharing of ideas
• Maintain rate schedules management
• Financial accounts
• Track and administrate account queries
• Oversee time book management
• Vetting meeting minutes, agendas and action lists
• Maintaining incident/issues registers

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance/Business Management or related/equivalent
• BCom Honours in Finance/business management or related/equivalent qualification highly advantageous
• A Forestry, Logistics or Process Engineering qualification and experience will be advantageous
• At least 6 years’ experience in business management.
• SAP System knowledge
• Project management
• Advanced Excel Skills

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel (dependent on upon the role).
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.

Closing Date: 13 February 2024