General Manager - Reitz Agri Academy, Free State at VKB Group

The suitable candidate will demonstrate excellent knowledge, skills, and experience in the following key performance areas necessary to manage the RLA

Strategic direction

• Determine short- and long-term strategic goals and priorities
• Formulation and implementing RLA marketing strategy
• Optimal management and utilization of the RLA assets
• Analysing policies, SOP’s, processes, and practices to identify risks and necessary measures

Strategic engagement with stakeholders

• Continuous liaison with the Board, suppliers and various stakeholders to establish and nurture long-term relationships and strengthen the identity of the RLA
• Ongoing support and advice to employees and students to create a healthy work environment where the full potential of employees and students are utilized and developed
• Represent RLA on social media forums and at various meetings while conveying a positive image of the RLA (Brand) to future students, clients and sponsors
• Build synergy with other training institutions where necessary
• Regularly visiting sponsors, clients and suppliers to maintain and strengthen long-term relationships

Operational involvement and direction

• Establish, position and build the RLA into an entity that provides an agricultural pipeline from Gr.6 to tertiary student level
• Corporate marketing of RLA and building a sustainable, independent Agri training institution
• Cultivating strong relationships within the RLA and all stakeholders
• Creating a healthy culture (Ethos) within RLA
• Monitor performance of RLA using key metrics and prepare reports for relevant stakeholders
• Managing and controlling capital and operational expenses
• Profitable management of RLA (overall, against budget, previous year, and against targets)
• Ensuring necessary structures and resources for growth
• Effective management of RLA inventory
• Facilitating and coordinating the human resource function within the RLA
• Monitoring, progressing, and handling ad hoc projects, as well as specific tasks, within established budgets

Requirements, qualification(s) and skills

• Appropriate Degree/Diploma (e.g. B.Sc., HOD, B. Com, B. Agric., etc.)
• Experience in relation to farming and agriculture in general, general management
• Proven alignment of strategic, operational, and financial goals
• Responsible for financial management of the RLA
• RLA farming and infrastructure management
• Training- and practical coordination at world-class standard
• Facilitate community involvement with the RLA
• Establish and maintain strategic sustainable partnerships
• Drive strategic objectives of the RLA
• Effective conflict management
• Comprehensive networking and communication skills
• Ethical values, consistency, and integrity
• Leadership and change management
• Ability to identify issues and areas for improvement
• Commercial acumen and business understanding
• Team player with a commitment to RLA’s culture

When applying

• Use Google Chrome when accessing the portal
• Clear copy of your CV in either PDF or Word
• The CV should not have handwriting on the document
• NB! Only Submit your CV on the Upload CV section of the application form and not a PDF that includes other documents such as ID, Driver’s License and other documents. The application form will make provision for the candidate to upload supporting documents.
• When uploading profile picture, make sure the minimum size uploaded is 300 x 300px