Manager: Learning Programmes &Strategic Projects at FoodBev Manufacturing SETA

Management of the Learning programme

• Manage the administration process of Mandatory Grants, Discretionary Grants, and special projects.
• Build stakeholder capacity by providing guidance on grant funding criteria and requirements.
• Manage the approval and contracting processes for grant allocations, ensuring alignment with  relevant policies.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations between the FoodBev Manufacturing SETA and stakeholders.
• Manage learner registration and completion processes across departmental functions, ensuring  audit and reporting documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Monitor implementation of learning programmes by checking whether activities and milestones are achieved through the implementation plan and that there is compliance to FBS’s              requirements.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of data captured in the Management Information System (MIS).
• Ensure grant payments are contractually aligned and processed timeously to support effective delivery of learning programmes.
• Compile monthly and quarterly performance reports for approval by the Senior Manager.
• Monitor implementation of learning programmes, ensuring milestones are achieved and compliance with FoodBev SETA (FBS) standards is maintained.
• Prepare audit evidence and respond to audit findings related to learning programmes.
• Deliver timely and accurate services to stakeholders.
• Provide ad hoc reports on learning programmes as requested by external stakeholders.
• Implement and maintain systems for tracking, storing, and securing programme records.

Discretionary Grant / Mandatory Grant Applications

• Review the Grant Funding Policy annually and submit for approval.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for learning programmes, in line with Grant Regulations and DHET requirements.
• Draft and issue notices regarding the opening of grant funding windows; communicate the availability of grants to stakeholders, where applicable.
• Conduct capacity-building workshops to outline criteria and requirements for grant applications.
• Manage and oversee the performance of service providers responsible for evaluating grant applications, where applicable.
• Participate in grant evaluation committees as the FoodBev SETA grant funding policy and procedures
• Oversee the administration of learning programme grant applications submitted by stakeholders and facilitate their revie  and approval by relevant committees.
• Manage the contracting process for grant allocations and ensure commitments are recorded in the Commitment Register (CR).
• Verify and process payment packs prior to submission for final approval by the Senior Manager.
• Oversee follow-ups with companies to ensure timely creation and approval of grant claims.
• Ensure payments for compliant deliverables are processed and released within 30 days.
• Manage learner terminations and facilitate grant recovery for those who discontinue their programmes.
• Confirm with the Senior Manager that learning programme development initiatives are aligned with the Sector Skills Plan (SSP) and national strategic priorities before proceeding with       design and implementation.
• Report quarterly to the Senior Manager on progress toward annual performance targets and strategic objectives.
• Report to the Manager on the achievement of learning programme objectives.
• Develop and implement learner enrolment forms/templates in accordance with Grant Regulations and DHET requirements.

Special Projects

• Support the Senior Manager in the development and implementation of the organisation’s special projects strategy.
• Implement special project processes and procedures in accordance with the Grant Funding Policy.
• Oversee the implementation of special projects, ensuring alignment with organisational planning, the SETA funding model, and the Commitment Register.
• Conduct quality assurance and prepare reports on all approved special projects.
• Ensure effective management and administration of partnerships and special projects in compliance with SETA policies and signed Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs), in consultation with the Senior Manager.
• Monitor project progress through monthly meetings with the Senior Manager and project teams, providing updates on achievements and mitigated risks.

Preparation of Reports

• Assist and provide inputs in the development of the Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan and Operational plan and ensuring progress against the approved annual targets
• Compile monthly and quarterly reports on learning programme for approval by Senior Manager.
• Provides reasons to Senior Manager for non-achievement or over-achievement of the Annual Performance Plan targets.

Operations Management and Statutory Compliance

• Contribute to the formulation and refinement of the Business Unit’s Operational Plans and performance targets, ensuring alignment with the overarching FBS Strategic Plan and institutional priorities.
• Participate in the development, standardisation, and implementation of departmental processes  and procedures in strict accordance with applicable legislative frameworks, regulatory requirements, and sectoral mandates.
• Provide strategic oversight of external stakeholder engagement activities within the department, ensuring sustained collaboration, service delivery excellence, and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Direct and monitor the establishment, implementation, and continuous improvement of internal Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring clarity of expectations, accountability, and performance metrics across interdepartmental functions.
• Ensure robust departmental compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory instruments, audit findings, and internal governance frameworks, including FBS policies, standard operating  procedures, and risk mitigation protocols.
• Uphold and actively promote adherence to statutory prescripts, the Code of Conduct, and institutional ethical standards; ensure the systematic application and continuous enhancement   of  standardised quality assurance practices and procedural benchmarks.
• Execute any additional, relevant tasks and responsibilities delegated by executive leadership, ensuring responsiveness, agility, and alignment with organisational goals.

Risk, Compliance, and Audit Management

• Review, identify, assess, prioritise, and monitor risks within the area of responsibility, and implement appropriate controls in line with the approved Risk Register to mitigate identified risks.
• Track and resolve audit findings within the prescribed timeframes, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure full compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures, including the timely updating and submission of compliance tools such as the PFMA compliance checklist.
• Manage, monitor, and report on compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks on a monthly basis, highlighting key developments, gaps, and mitigation actions.
• Oversee the effective management of business and operational risks, resources, and business continuity strategies to ensure resilience and sustainability.
• Serve as the designated Risk Champion, promoting a culture of risk awareness and ensuring integration of risk management practices across departmental operations.

Financial Management

• Compile and manage the unit's annual budget, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities  and strategic objectives.
• Oversee and control project budgets to prevent overspending or underspending, ensuring all expenditures are compliant with contractual terms and stakeholder agreements
• Review grant payment requests to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with organisational policies and payment terms.
• Assist in the cleanup and maintenance of the Commitment Register, ensuring accurate and up- to-date financial commitments are recorded.

People / Staff Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to staff to ensure the successful achievement of individual and departmental objectives.
• Monitor and manage staff performance in line with the organisation’s Performance Management Policy and processes.
• Drive the achievement of departmental goals and performance targets through effective planning and team collaboration.
• Coach and mentor team members to enhance skills, address performance gaps, and support professional growth.
• Apply sound labour practices in accordance with the approved FBS Conditions of Service.
• Ensure consistent implementation and compliance with Human Resources policies, procedures, and best practices within the department.
• Promote and embed FBS values across all team activities and interactions.

Requirements
Qualifying Criteria

• A Degree in Business Administration or equivalent to the field of study.
• An Honors Degree or equivalent in the relevant field of study will be an added advantage.
• 5 years’ experience working within a Public Sector environment of which 3 years should be at a Coordinator/Specialist/Supervisory level.
• Experience in the SETA environment will be an added advantage