Director: Agriculture at McCain Foods

Purpose of the Role:

• The Head of Agricultural Function will provide strategic leadership to ensure McCain Foods consistently secures the right volumes of raw materials for our processing plants. The role is responsible for delivering raw materials at the right time, place, cost, and quality in alignment with the Integrated Business Plan (IBP).

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy Development & Execution:

• Lead the development and execution of short-, medium-, and long-term agricultural strategies to optimize raw material supply to the processing plants.
• Translate strategies into measurable outcomes that ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality supply of raw materials.

Sustainable Cost Advantage (SCA):

• Drive strategies to reduce overhead costs without compromising function effectiveness.
• Implement initiatives to introduce new, high-yielding, and cost-effective potato, potato seed, and vegetable crop varieties.
• Advise and assist growers (both independent and McCain-owned) in adopting improved farming practices to boost yields and lower costs.
• Ensure third-party financing models are adhered to, securing grower support in line with agreed terms.

Assured Supply:

• Oversee the supply of raw materials to the processing plants, meeting quality, cost, and timing requirements.
• Strengthen relationships with Independent Growers to position McCain Foods as the preferred partner.
• Guide McCain Agricultural Managers in negotiations to secure optimal contracts with growers.
• Ensure McCain-owned farms and mechanized planting/harvesting functions operate at peak efficiency.
• Optimize sourcing to mitigate risks from weather or disease, ensuring reliable, quality raw material supply.

Compliance & Transformation:

• Develop and implement strategies to ensure full compliance with regulatory, quality assurance, and labor legislation (HACCP, ISO, and customer-specific audits).
• Promote McCain Foods’ alignment with transformation targets and BBBEE codes.

Commercial & Financial Management:

• Ensure the Agricultural Function meets financial goals and operates within budget.
• Lead transparent reporting, including PowerBI-based commercial and financial performance metrics.
• Provide insights and business cases to support key decisions, optimizing the agricultural value chain.

Leadership & Talent Development:

• Lead, develop, and inspire teams to achieve business objectives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure transformation targets are met and maintain a strong leadership pipeline.

External Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with key external organizations, including government bodies, plant health services, and logistics providers.

Job Holder Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Sciences, Economics, Commerce, or a related field.
• A Postgraduate qualification in Agriculture or Commerce is advantageous.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the agricultural commercial sector, with at least 3-5 years in raw material procurement, supply, or logistics at a senior level.
• Experience in commercial farming or processing of agricultural products is essential.

Technical Competencies:

• Strong commercial acumen with excellent negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in PowerBI or other reporting tools is a plus.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Resilient and solution-oriented in challenging situations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.