Job Openings
Regional Manager (Midlands, KZN)
About the job Regional Manager (Midlands, KZN)
National organisation is seeking a Regional Manager for the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in the agricultural sector. The role involves advocacy, collaboration, providing guidance, promoting industry best practices, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships. A key aspect of the role will be managing sponsorships, coordinating regional events, and providing support to national events and campaigns.
KEY RESONSIBILITIES
Advocacy & Representation
- Stakeholder Representation: Represent producers' (farmers) interests in meetings
- with government agencies, industry bodies, regulatory authorities, and other
- key stakeholders.
- Lobbying: Advocate for favourable policies, regulations, and support structures
- to benefit the sector regionally and nationally.
- Farmer Advocacy: Serve as a voice for producers (farmers), addressing concerns and
challenges to ensure their interests are represented effectively.
Producer Support
- Advisory Role: Provide strategic advice to producers on regulatory compliance, best practices, and industry standards.
- Problem Resolution: Act as a mediator to resolve disputes involving producers and stakeholders such as processors, suppliers, or regulators.
- On-the-Ground Assistance: Conduct regular farm visits to gain firsthand insight into producer (farmers) challenges and offer support as needed.
Communication & Engagement
- Member Communication: Keep producers (farmers) informed of relevant industry news, regulatory changes, and Organisation initiatives via newsletters, emails, and meetings.
- Feedback Collection: Gather producer feedback to guide Organisation policy and strategic planning.
- Networking: Foster collaboration among producers (farmers), creating a strong, engaged, and supportive regional community.
Event Coordination & Sponsorship Management
- Regional Meetings: Organise regional meetings, workshops, and forums for producers (farmers) to engage, share insights, and receive updates on key initiatives.
- Training & Development: Coordinate educational programs and workshops on farming techniques, business management, and sustainability.
- Industry Events: Represent the Organisation at regional and industry events, trade shows, and conferences.
- Sponsorship Management: Identify and manage sponsorship opportunities to support events and initiatives, building partnerships that benefit the sector.
- Social Media Management: Take ownership of managing the social media platform for the Organisation festival, ensuring engaging, informative, and timely content is shared to maximise event visibility and producer participation.
- National Event Support: Collaborate with Organisations national team to plan and execute events and campaigns, providing regional input and logistical support.
Data Collection & Reporting
- Regional Insights: Collect and report data on production, challenges, and market trends within the region to inform Organisations strategic decisions.
- Surveys & Feedback: Conduct surveys to assess the effectiveness of initiatives and understand producer needs.
- Progress Reporting: Update senior management regularly on key regional issues, developments, and progress.
Collaboration
- Interdepartmental Coordination: Work closely with other departments (e.g., marketing, finance, and other regions) to ensure regional needs are integrated into broader strategies.
- Partnership Development: Cultivate relationships with processors, suppliers, service providers, and financial institutions to enhance producer (farmer) support.
Crisis Management
- Emergency Support: Provide assistance during crises such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or economic downturns affecting producers.
- Risk Mitigation: Assist in the develop strategies to mitigate risks related to market volatility, supply chain disruptions, and labour shortages.
Financial Assistance & Grants
- Grant Applications: Assist producers (farmers) in identifying and applying for grants, subsidies, and other forms of financial aid.
- Business Resources: Help producers (farmers) access loans, insurance, and other essential financial tools to support their operations.
Promoting Sustainability
- Sustainability Practices: Encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly and sustainable dairy farming practices
REQUIREMENTS
- Grade 12
- A degree or diploma in agriculture, animal science, agricultural economics, or a related discipline (an added advantage)
- Previous experience in advocacy, dairy farming, or a role closely related to the agricultural sector.
- Strong existing relationships with local farmers or key points of contact within the agricultural community in the region.
- In the absence of the above requirements a strong background in sales and marketing will be considered.
- Effective Communication and Leadership: Excellent communication, negotiation,
- and leadership abilities to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Event Coordination and Sponsorship