Chief Executive Officer

SUMMARY:
-

POSITION INFO:

The FPEF is a voluntary, non-profit organisation with more than 170 members, accounting for about 95% of fresh fruit exported from South Africa. Members of the FPEF are involved in the South African fresh produce export chain and rely on the forum to enable and assist them in being successful. This includes creating and maintaining awareness for the South African fresh produce export industry internationally.

The forum also acts as a link between Government and the industry regarding market access and related matters. The FPEF is registered with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) as the official Fresh Produce Export Council in South Africa. An exciting career opportunity currently exists for an energetic and visionary CEO to ensure that the organisation achieves its strategic objectives and creates value for its members. The incumbent will report to the Board of Directors and will focus on ensuring a profitable, sustainable, globally competitive, and disciplined fresh produce export industry.

Duties will include the following:

• Strategic leadership regarding industry affairs
• High-level international involvement with industry associations, importers, and Embassies, as well as high-level engagement with South African government departments, Regulatory bodies, other industry bodies, and other key role players
• Focus on Market Access initiatives (retention, growth, and optimisation)
• Participate and provide guidance regarding industry trade fairs (internationally)
• Maintain high level of ethics and ensure FPEF members’ compliance with the FPEF’s Code of Conduct
• Provide leadership and manage the following key business areas:
• Market Development and Communications
• Transformation Initiatives
• Research and Innovation Initiatives
• Finance, Accounting and Administration (including Audit, Risk, and Compliance)
• FPEF membership

Requirements:

• Applicable Management / Agricultural qualifications (MSc / Masters degree in Agri Economics / Masters degree in Business Administration or similar qualification would be preferable)
• At least 10 years’ experience in a senior/executive management role
• Ability to foster and develop relationships with a variety of stakeholders (international and domestic)
• Experience or the proven ability to perform at a strategic executive management level
• Strategic insight regarding all aspects of the value chain within the industry
• International trade and policy experience will be advantageous
• Energetic, high level of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
• Dynamic, self-driven and results-oriented
• Ability to absorb pressure associated with the role
• Proven track record to perform duties as listed

A market-related remuneration package, based on qualifications and experience, will be negotiated with the successful candidate.