COO

Job Description : COO CEMENT SOUTHERN AFRICA Lead the establishment, growth, and profitability of operations with primary focus on scaling and optimizing the cement business. Provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and business development to ensure sustainable performance and alignment with group objectives, while managing smaller units effectively. 1. Strategic Leadership and Planning - Define and execute strategy, with strong emphasis on cement expansion and optimization. - Develop policies, procedures, and plans for sustainable growth across the portfolio. - Conduct market/competitor analysis, focusing on cement and construction materials. - Drive continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and quality, prioritizing cement operations. 2. Business Operations Management - Oversee setup and management of operations, especially cement production facilities, distribution, permits, and compliance. - Ensure smooth day-to-day workflows and operational excellence across departments. - Maintain full legal, regulatory, and industry compliance (environmental, safety, quality standards). 3. Financial Management - Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and reports to maximize profitability, with close oversight of capital-intensive cement activities. - Track KPIs and provide regular performance updates to senior leadership. 4. Sales, Marketing, and Business Development - Lead sales and marketing to grow market share and revenue, prioritizing cement for construction/infrastructure clients. - Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, suppliers, contractors, and stakeholders. - Ensure high customer satisfaction through reliable service and delivery. 5. Human Capital Management - Recruit, develop, and lead high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative, results-oriented culture. - Bachelors or Masters degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Engineering, or related field (engineering background preferred for cement focus). - Strong leadership and decision-making in industrial/manufacturing settings. - Solid knowledge of operations, finance, and strategy in heavy industry or construction materials. - Proven experience managing large-scale cement/building materials operations; smaller complementary businesses a plus. - Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and interpersonal skills. - Analytical, problem-solving mindset with adaptability in fast-paced emerging markets. - Results-driven with focus on achieving ambitious targets. - Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant ERP/business software. - Minimum 20 years progressive managerial experience in industrial/manufacturing sectors. - At least 5 years in senior leadership roles overseeing operations, finance, strategy, and teams—ideally with significant cement or heavy industry exposure.

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