Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at CLS Human Capital Specialists

Introduction:

• A diversified agricultural group with large-scale egg production, poultry rearing units, crop farming operations, game farming, re-establish a cattle feedlot and commercial property holdings is seeking an experienced and decisive Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• The businesses operate across multiple sites in Klerksdorp, Kroonstad and surrounding regions, supported by strong financial foundations and established operational systems.
• The CEO will provide strategic direction, ensure sustainable growth, oversee all operational units, establish business infrastructure, and uphold the group’s long-standing reputation within the South African poultry industry.

Job Purpose:

• To lead the entire group operations, ensuring operational excellence, long-term profitability, and strategic growth. The CEO is responsible for the full oversight of all farms, production units, commercial properties, financial systems, staff structures, and expansion projects.
• Reporting directly to the Board/Managing Director, the CEO will drive performance, manage senior leadership across all entities, and ensure that the group maintains its strong position as a leading producer in the industry.

REQUIREMENTS
Minimum education (essential):

• National Senior Certificate
• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Business Management, Production Management, or similar (essential)
• Postgraduate qualification (MBA/MPM) will be an advantage

Minimum applicable experience (years):

• 10 –15+ years senior management experience
• At least 5 years at executive level
• Poultry, agriculture, FMCG, or large-scale production experience in a related environment (strong advantage)

Required nature of experience:

• Executive leadership across multiple business units
• High-level operational and production management
• People leadership and management of senior teams
• Business expansion, capital planning, and project management
• Financial oversight, budgeting, cash flow, and reporting
• Supply chain, customer relations, and strategic negotiations
• Asset/facility/property management
• Risk management, compliance, and corporate governance

Skills and Knowledge (essential):

• Strong strategic vision and the ability to execute long-term business plans
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills
• Deep understanding of agricultural production, preferably poultry
• Strong financial and commercial acumen
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Ability to manage multiple entities with complex operational needs
• Exceptional organisational skills and a high level of accountability

Other:

• Proficient in Afrikaans and English
• Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport
• Willingness to travel between farms and operational locations

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS, WEIGHTS AND OBJECTIVES
Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

• Lead long-term strategic planning and business development.
• Identify opportunities for expansion, diversification, and operational improvements.
• Ensure the group maintains its strong market presence and industry reputation.
• Drive innovation in poultry production, farming operations, and business structures

Operational & Production Oversight

• Oversee all egg production, pullet rearing units, farming operations, and related
• facilities.
• Ensure production targets and quality standards are achieved across all sites.
• Strengthen biosecurity, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Implement systems and technology to support continuous improvement.

Executive Staff & Leadership Management

• Lead and mentor all senior managers and administrative heads across the group.
• Ensure effective HR planning, staff structures, succession planning, and performance management.
• Build a strong, disciplined, and results-driven leadership culture.

Financial Governance & Administration

• Maintain the group’s conservative and strong financial position.
• Ensure accurate financial controls, reporting, budgeting, and cost management.
• Oversee capital investments, cash flow planning, and asset utilisation.
• Uphold governance, compliance, and risk management standards.

Asset, Property & Project Management

• Oversee all commercial properties, hangers, farm infrastructure, equipment, and vehicles.
• Ensure effective maintenance, security, and asset optimisation.
• Lead major capital projects, including new buildings, packhouses, office expansions,
• and new production units.
• Manage future farming expansions and long-term infrastructure development.

Closing: 2026-01-10