General Manager, Johannesburg

Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of“We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit Duties&Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

Define and execute the GCF strategy to deliver growth in revenue, margin, and share. Set clear objectives and performance expectations for the leadership team. Translate strategy into annual plans with measurable outcomes. Operational Management:

Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing and supply‑chain performance (service, quality, cost). Run a robust S&OP cadence that links demand, supply, and financial plans. Drive continuous improvement and productivity across all functions. Financial Oversight:

Hold full P&L ownership through EBIT, not only GP. Manage working capital: set and deliver targets for AR (DSO), AP (DPO), and DOI; improve cash conversion and inventory health. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting; identify risk and opportunity. Stakeholder Engagement:

Build trusted relationships with key customers, suppliers, and partners. Represent GCF with internal and external stakeholders; communicate performance and plans transparently. Corporate Governance:

Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal control requirements (SoD, approvals, audit readiness). Uphold a culture of accountability, ethics, and safety. Team Leadership and Development:

Lead and develop a high‑performing cross‑functional team (Operations, Commercial, Finance, R&D, HR). Strengthen succession, engagement, and capability. Coach leaders to outcomes. Innovation and Growth:

Partner with R&D and Commercial to accelerate innovation and commercialization. Improve time‑to‑market and value realization from new products. Problem Solving / Decision Making

Make timely, data‑driven decisions balancing revenue, margin, service, and cash. Resolve complex trade‑offs across production, inventory, and customer commitments. Proactively mitigate risk; escalates issues with clear options and impacts. Working Relationships

Internal dual reporting to the GM of Griffith Foods Africa and the GM of Crown Food Group. Supervise functional leaders across Manufacturing/Operations, Supply Chain, Sales/Commercial, Finance, R&D, and HR (direct and/or matrix). Peer Africa Leadership Team, frequent contact with IMEA Supply Chain; FP&A; QA/Regulatory; Shared‑Services teams. External: Key customers, suppliers, auditors, and regulators. Qualification and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree (Business, Food, Engineering); MBA an advantage. 10+ years senior leadership with proven P&L ownership in FMCG/process manufacturing. Demonstrated working‑capital management expertise (AR, AP, DOI) and S&OP fluency. Experience leading cross‑functional teams in a matrix/dual‑reporting environment. Work Environment

Primarily site/office‑based with periodic travel across plants, customers, and partners (domestic/international). Flexibility to meet operational and customer needs. Competencies

Leadership and Vision

– Strategic Thinking, Inspirational Leadership, Decision‑Making. Financial Acumen

– Financial Management, Analytical Skills, Cost Management. Operational Excellence

– Process Optimization, Project Management, Performance Monitoring. Stakeholder Management

– Relationship Building, Negotiation Skills, Communication. Corporate Governance&Compliance

– Ethical Standards, Regulatory Knowledge, Risk Management. Innovation&Growth

– Market Awareness, Innovation, Growth Mindset. Team Leadership&Development

– Talent Management, Coaching&Mentoring, Team Building. Customer Focus

– Customer Understanding, Service Excellence, Customer Relationship Management. Change Management

– Adaptability, Transformation Leadership, Crisis Management. Communication&Interpersonal Skills

– Effective Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Public Speaking.

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