Commercial Manager - Spartan at RCL Foods

Job Description    

At RCL Foods, we are driven by a purpose that goes beyond business. Our commitment to "We grow what matters" reflects our dedication to nourishing lives, communities, and the future.

As a leading player in the Food Manufacturing industry, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality products and making a positive impact. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a talented and motivated individual to join our team as a Commercial Manager to deliver enhanced customer and business profitability and costing information designed to unlock margin opportunities and assist in focused strategic decision- making.

The role looks after our Spartan and Pretoria West Bread, Buns, and Rolls Operating Unit and reports to the Commercial Executive.

As a Commercial Manager at RCL Foods, you will play a crucial role in:

• Providing commercial support and insight into the operations and performance of the Operating Unit.
• Analyzing the financial performance of the OU and make recommendations based on the findings and outcomes of the analysis.
• Preparing the annual 5-year Stratplan, Business Plan, latest Forecast, and report on performance against it on a monthly basis.
• Providing direct commercial support and insight to the Sales and customer teams.
• Collaborating with the Commercial Executive and Exec team to identify business strategy and growth opportunities.
• Facilitating the development of commercial engagement with the rest of the business.

Minimum Requirements    
Qualification

 

• BCOM + Qualified CA (SA) or Completed CIMA (non-negotiable)

Skills and Experience

 

• Experience working in a cross-functional manufacturing business
• Minimum 5 years experience, including commercial costing, operational financial support, and reporting 
• SAP experience would be advantageous as would exposure to an FMCG and/or manufacturing environment

Duties & Responsibilities    
Strategic Contribution and Execution:

 

• Contribute to the formulation and implementation of the operating unit strategy, aligning with a 2 to 5-year outlook.
• Operationalize and achieve assigned strategic targets, emphasizing the commercial perspective in the overall growth strategy.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

 

• Coordinate annual 5-year business valuations and quarterly forecasting processes.
• Compile and review forecast results, including volume and distribution revenue analysis.
• Interpret key cost drivers' impact on profitability and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Oversee efficient monthly operational finance close and resolution of queries.

Monthly and Annual Operational Financial Reporting:

 

• Coordinate the monthly operational finance close, ensuring accurate reporting systems.
• Perform comparative analyses of results and assess accruals for operational expenditure.

Management Reporting:

 

• Generate key performance indicator dashboards on a daily/weekly/monthly basis.
• Provide monthly flash reports with commentary on key performance areas.
• Identify opportunities for value-added reporting to enhance reporting quality.
• Offer sustained support to customers and principals.

Customer Pricing and Contract Management:

 

• Calculate and provide accurate pricing information, reviewing customer and principal pricing contracts.
• Manage pricing adjustments and ensure related profitability objectives are met.
• Drive commercial conversations, monitor rebates, and ensure adherence to agreed rates.

Profitability Analysis:

 

• Provide meaningful profitability information and optimize customer, channel, and business profitability.
• Support the customer team in utilizing system tools for costing and profitability.
• Offer regular feedback on performance to the National Sales Executive and account managers.

New Project Appraisal and Feasibility Assessment:

 

• Drive appraisal and feasibility assessment for new projects, providing commercial insight.
• Assess opportunities and ensure accurate and profitable project costing.

Product Costing:

 

• Understand production and distribution costs, collaborating with the Baking CSE team.
• Identify opportunities for improved efficiency in related charges.

Profitability:

 

• Drive enhanced customer and business profitability, influencing improved contributions.
• Identify opportunities for value-added reporting and provide sustained support to customers and principals.

Commercial Insight and Technical Expertise:

 

• Provide detailed analysis and recommendations for queries arising from business changes or economic shifts.
• Offer practical commercial expertise and insights to internal and external stakeholders.

Capital Investment:

 

• Provide commercial input for new investment opportunities and support Capex motivations.
• Report on profitability and participate in post-implementation reviews.

Information and Data Management:

 

• Ensure accurate data capture for reliable reporting and trend analysis.
• Share relevant data for informed business decision-making.

Staff Management:

 

• Lead and develop staff in compliance with labor laws and organizational standards.
• Monitor performance, provide feedback, and manage staff activities.
• Champion staff training and development, ensuring optimal turnover and retention levels.
• Establish sound staff and labor organizing structures and systems.
• Lead high-performance multidisciplinary teams, conducting regular meetings and maintaining records.