Category GM: Grains

Overview The role leads a team of experts across our value chain (Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, Finance, R&D, and HR) to provide strategic and operational direction to position, build and grow the Grains category in Southern Africa. The GM utilises his experience, skills and knowledge in a diverse geographical, economic and people environment and drives market share and revenue/NOBPT growth. As the Grains P&L owner, the role has full accountability for the Grains business in the South Africa and is accountable to the VP Essential Foods. The role is responsible for aligning with the wider business, directing and leading across the value chain to ensure they deliver against strategy and business plan. You are expected to have a passion for our consumers and customers as well as our category and brands. Responsibilities Accountable for the full P&L for Grains Lead the development of the Grains Category strategy, to drive the portfolio growth and meet medium to long-term growth targets for South Africa Translate the business strategy and objectives into business plans, secure alignment and work intimately with your cross-functional partners to deliver on targets. Drive strategy and execution by directing, engaging and inspiring your multi-disciplinary team across functions (Marketing, Sales, R&D, Integrated Supply Chain, HR and Finance), fostering a high level of cross-functional integration with all resources driving forward the category strategy and priorities. Manage and monitor KPIs (incl. budget management), working with cross-functional partners to identify corrective actions as required Build your brands, directing your marketing team to ensure products have fit for purpose, insight-driven marketing plans (incl. marketing mix, pricing strategy, budget allocations). Oversee go-to-market priority setting for General Trade and Modern Trade (incl. sales budgets) to meet category objectives, partnering closely with the Commercial function to drive its execution. Drive innovation working with R&D and ensuring your marketing team are identifying the big bets that will cater to the needs of our consumers. Drive continuous improvement to keep the business competitive and drive effectiveness across the value chain. Champion cross functional teams to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs, increase productivity and become the lowest cost producer. Governance Control & legal compliance. Ensure total integrity in all company transactions, particularly in financial reporting / records. Build top talent for the business by coaching/mentoring others and providing skills development opportunities. Own the key relationships with customers across the brands. Instill a culture which encourages team work, rewards performance and supports capability building. Lead the consolidation of cross-functional inputs to track and monitor cross-cutting processes (e.g. NPD, IBP and S&OP) and the delivery against business targets. Drive sustainable and competitive sourcing across the value chain of the business. Lead business continuity and risk initiatives Qualifications Relevant Commercial and Post Graduate / Masters qualification 15 years executive leadership experience (large teams, end to end business/value chain scope and multiple FMCG categories – specifically food & beverages, strategic and business performance excellence) Intimate understanding of the South African customer/outlet landscape and trade relationships with major customers/buying groups Strong commercial acumen, analytical capabilities and price/volume/margin understanding Category and shopper insights Key account and sales operations management experience Strong data transformation and digital acumen GTM experience including categories with strong Traditional Trade, direct to store execution models