Millar Cameron are working with Seaboard Overseas Management Company (SOMC) to assist them in hiring their new Regional Vice President based in Congo Kinshasa. Starting it’s operations in West Africa in 1968, Seaboard Overseas Management Company has rapidly expanded its involvement across the continent. It is now active in 15 different countries in the North, East, South, and West of the continent that specialize in the trading and logistics of agricultural commodities such as Wheat, Soybeans, and Vegetable Oils. As a global organization they process over 14 million tons of commodities per year and place the values of integrity, quality, and consistency at the core of their business objectives. They are able to leverage their strong vertical integration as a company to attain a competitive advantage facilitating growth.
Dimensions of the Role:
- Lead the General Managers of the operations and assist them with the development and achievement of their short term and long-range plans
- Propose and execute the affiliates strategic business plans
- Provide guidance on new product innovation
- Assist with the development of new products and distribution of all products. Promote new advertising/ creative promotional concepts
- Oversee branch offices to ensure efficiency and maximization of throughput and income
- Review and approve cost/profit center budgets
- Oversee cost control and margin maximization
- Review daily/weekly/monthly management reports
- Proactively review and approve weekly/monthly financial reports; review income and cashflow projections
- Ensure company is operating in a continuous improvement environment by encouraging new ideas through open communication
- Review 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
- Review primary raw material inventory levels at affiliates and other ingredients in an efficient manner to avoid any grindout and/or production delays, while maintaining an optimized grist cost
- Establish relationships with key customers that will include regular on-site visits
- Manage and develop the management team for further opportunities. Scope to include identifying potential leadership amongst existing management group, assist in developing peer review practices
- Assist in developing best practices employee/executive training programs
To apply for this role, please ensure that you have the following skills and 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
- 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
- Fluency in French is required
Since 2007 Millar Cameron has specialised in sourcing leadership and keyperson talent across a number of industries, including agribusiness, international development, industrial, consumer, financial and professional services, private equity, and technology, media and telecommunications. Our mission and purpose is to positively contribute to the development of Africa, and other emerging markets, through the provision of people.