Project Management Officer: Production Activities, Port Elizabeth

Brief Role Description

The core purpose of this position is to conduct project feasibility studies for local production activities in Africa as well as to drive, plan and implement production facilities in Africa.

This position will also act as project manager, on new business and strategy development, lead inter-divisional teams across brands and cultures and to drive and co-ordinate company African footprint.

The incumbent will also negotiate with external partners such as governmental authorities and production partners as well as engage with key stakeholders and determine internal and external factors affecting mid- (<5 years) to long-term (>5 years) needs. The position will also be required to establish and evaluate scenarios for Board decision.

Possible Tasks within this Role

To conduct project feasibility studies for local production activities

To lead an inter-divisional team across brands and cultures

Assume responsibility for the tracking and monitoring of project milestones as agreed by the Board of Management.

Anticipate issues and identify solutions and alternatives in advance by reviewing open tasks and deadlines as well as motivating and encouraging team members in order to ensure targets are fulfilled.

Represent the company within the Group as well as externally

To negotiate with external partners such as governmental authorities and production partners

To engage with Group, Regional, Local and external stakeholders to formulate, implement and monitor the Corporate regional strategy.

Identifying new business opportunities to promote sustainable development in African markets

Managing the evaluation as well as implementation of new projects, primarily local pro-duction activities, in Africa.

Supporting management in preparing, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring of internal resources to ensure the effective execution of assigned projects.

Assisting management by acting as an internal consultant on new business and prioritized projects by engaging with stakeholders and determining internal and external factors affecting mid to long term needs.

Qualification requirements

Degree or Diploma in one of the fields of Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering or equivalent

Experience needed

Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management or strategy environment

Essentials

Negotiating and decision-making experience at a senior level

Financial analysis capability

Automotive experience an advantage

Ability to operate across a wide range of complex business segments

Ability to think, plan and execute at a strategic project management level

Sound decision-making ability

Ability to communicate with and lead teams at all levels

Ability to plan, execute and make decisions on projects and initiatives according to approved KPIs

Ability to monitor and track project progress, to anticipate, identify and resolve major issues and to report and escalate these to the Board or Steering Committees

Leading and motivating inter-divisional teams in a pressurized environment.

Conflict management ability

Experience in representing the Company, locally and internationally, at any level.

Ability to operate and negotiate across cultural lines

Ability to present to multi-national groups at all levels (Heads of Government, Ministers, CEO’s etc.)

Ability to analyze external environment, draw relevant insights and anticipate trends

Ability to develop, analyze and present scenarios