Factory Support Manager

Sugar Milling Research Institute NPC

Reference: JA211103

The Sugar Milling Research Institute NPC (SMRI), based in Durban – South Africa, is a world leader in the science and technology of sugarcane processing. The mandate of the SMRI is to support its member companies by enabling the sustainability of the sugarcane processing industries in South and southern Africa.

The SMRI is looking to fill this senior management role, reporting to the CEO, with a dynamic, results-driven self-starter to lead and manage the provision of technical support to the sugarcane processing industry, engaging in key account management functions within the SMRI.   The incumbent will be required to manage the development of value-added offerings within the areas of consultancy, factory performance management and training.  A key focus of this role will be assisting with the packaging and transfer of SMRI-developed technologies to SMRI members, as well as advising members on best available sugarcane processing technologies worldwide.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

A relevant graduate /post-graduate engineering or science degree at a minimum of NQF Level 7/8, with experience in the field, preferably with professional registration.

Experience sought:

• Sound knowledge of the sugarcane processing industry and sugar technology is essential.
• At least 10 years’ experience in the field.
• Proven technical consulting experience.
• Experience with managing and leading technical and consulting teams.
• Experience with assessing, monitoring and improving factory performance.
• Experience in client relationship management.
• Extensive network within the sugarcane processing industry.
• Experience with training of sugar technologists at various levels

Competencies/skills:                

• Must demonstrate vision and leadership skills to create a successful factory support team driven towards achieving quantified benefits to the industry.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of sugarcane factory performance figures.
• Ability to identify opportunities for R&D and innovation within a processing industry.

• Ability to identify industry needs and package technical solutions, e.g. training, benchmarking and decision support.
• Ability to appropriately transfer SMRI-developed offerings to the industry.
• Ability to represent SMRI at top management level on industry technical committees.
• Proven client relationship development and strong networking skills.
• Proficiency in project planning.
• Proficiency in sugar factory energy and mass balance software.
• Proposal writing and contracting skills.
• Ability to effectively develop and manage budgets to achieve agreed objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent computer literacy (MS Office suite).

To apply for this position, you are required to submit the following:

• A one-page cover letter quoting the reference number JA211103 including your name and detailing why you believe you are the ideal candidate for this role.
• A short Curriculum Vitae of maximum 3 pages detailing your relevant qualification(s), experience and contactable references.

The closing date for applications is strictly by midday on Friday 19 November 2021 via e-Mail:     Applications@smri.org

If you have not been contacted by Friday 10 December 2021, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

The SMRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.

The closing date for applications is strictly by midday on Friday 19 November 2021 via e-Mail:     Applications@smri.org

If you have not been contacted by Friday 10 December 2021, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

The SMRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.