Location:  French Speaking Africa

Reports To:  SOMC Vice President/Board of Directors

Job Type:  Senior Manager/Expatriate

General Purpose

The Managing Director will manage a large-scale 24-hour, 7 days per week, modern food processing operation located in French speaking Africa. Responsibilities will include providing leadership to develop and grow the business, achieving profitability through implementation of a plan based on detailed analysis and strategic thinking; creatively and developing a strategic business plan for growth that will include annual goals, objectives, budgets and targets with key performance indicators.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Propose and execute the company’s strategic business plan.
• Responsible for managing all department heads in the company.
• Develop and oversee the commercial/sales department.
• Develop and oversee port and mill operations; communicate regularly with mill management and assist when necessary.
• Develop and oversee the finance and administration departments of the company.
• Oversee all safety matters to provide the safest environment possible for employees and other stakeholders.
• Oversee and manage development of new products and distribution of all products.
• Oversee branch offices to ensure efficiency and maximization of throughput and income.
• Monitor, manage and approve daily credit control of all credit clients.
• Develop and implement cost/profit center budgets.
• Oversee cost control and margin maximization.
• Maintain daily/weekly/monthly management reports.
• Proactively review and approve weekly/monthly financial reports; review income and cash-flow projections.
• Ensure company is operating in a continuous improvement environment by encouraging new ideas through open communication.
• Oversee and prepare proposals and implement approved projects for new business projects and capital expenditures in a most efficient and timely manner.
• Proactively communicate with key stakeholders and partners, BOD and government officials as necessary.
• Manage primary raw material inventory levels and other ingredients in an efficient manner to avoid any grind-out and/or production delays, while maintaining an optimized grist cost.
• Establish and maintain good relationships with key customers that will include regular on site visits.
• Manage and develop the management team for further opportunities; including development of key point person when MD is absent.
• In coordination with company legal counsel and retained counsel, ensure all legal matters are being proactively addresses to protect the company and its assets.
• Oversee and manage employee relations including collective bargaining negotiations, structuring, discipline and recruitment.
• The responsibilities outlined in this job description are not a comprehensive list; additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time.

Education & Experience

• University degree in related field required.
• 10+ years management experience with an industrial operations or manufacturing company, preferably in flour milling or similar industry.
• Understanding of agricultural commodities markets required.
• Experience with managing commercial, industrial or logistical operations in a developing country.
• Experience with food distribution preferred.
• Fluency in French and English required.
• Demonstrated strong leadership/decision making skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels required.
• Experience with combating theft and fraud in a developing country environment required.

Working Environment/Conditions

• Must be in good physical health.
• Travel outside of main countries as needed for conferences and further personal development.
• Able to operate in complex and stressful working environments.