Job Description

The Executive Manager: Operations (EMO) is accountable to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coega Development Corporation (CDC).



MANDATE

The EMO is mandated by the Board of Directors of the CDC to take responsibility for all strategic, operations and technical aspects of the Coega Project under the overall direction of the CEO.



DESCRIPTION

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The primary objective for the EM: Operations is to ensure that all business activities are fully operationalised for all CDC sites and that investors/ tenants have access and relevant use of a world class Special Economic Zone, of which the bulk cargo deepwater Port is an integral part, the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park (NMBLP) and other related sites. The objectives for the EM Operations are guided by the CDC strategy, applicable policies and relevant legislation.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS

In executing the above primary objectives, the EM Operations is required to:


Provide strategic leadership and managerial direction to Operations in pursuance and achievement of its objectives; Oversee the planning and implementation of strategies that ensure integrated operations of the SEZ, CDC businesses and related CDC sites; Advise the CEO on the appropriate mechanisms for ensuring the ongoing operations of the SEZ and related sites; Interpret, formulate and implement world's best practices and standards in consultation with Unit Heads; Establish an appropriate strategic framework for the provision of services and products to future investors/ and existing tenants within the SEZ and related CDC sites; Lead, guide and oversee Unit Heads in the provision of various disciplines listed below and when necessary undertake periodic revisions and updates to strategies: Property Development and Facilities Management Services - Fleet and Office Management; Trade Facilitation - Investor Services and Logistics Spatial Development; Security; Commercial; Coega Travel Agency; Bluewater Bay Sunrise Hotel; Vulindlela Accommodation and Conference Centre. Ensure coordination and integration of operational plans and processes; Lead and advise Unit Heads to identify, evaluate and implement appropriate commercial models for service provision. Establish an appropriate strategic framework of the SEZ operations in consultation with Operations Unit Heads and prepare budgets accordingly; Establish and maintain sound working relationships with investors/ tenants and all relevant appropriate statutory bodies; Provide sound advice to Operations Unit Heads and guidance to the CDC in respect of operational and commercial matters; Investigate and make recommendations to improve the processes associated with the operations of the SEZ and other CDC businesses under the stewardship of OPS; Review appropriate partnerships for identified revenue opportunities in various aspects of services within the CDC control. Guide the review of the Tenants Zone Application Procedures (Zone rules) and ensure assessment of potential tenants and concessionaires for the development of the SEZ and related sites. Lead the development of procedures, standards, plans and guidelines to be included in Tenant Application Procedure (Zone rules). Support the development and implementation of the environmental management plans of CDC in the development of the SEZ and related sites and the implementation thereof To prepare reports and other necessary submissions as required to ensure that the CEO and Board of Directors are fully informed on the operational and commercial performance.

In summary, the overall responsibilities of the EM: Operations are to plan, co-ordinate, facilitate as necessary and monitor the operational aspects of the Coega SEZ and related sites, and maximise use of the assets and rights of the SEZ Operator for revenue generation in consultation with Unit Heads.


Other responsibilities of the EM: Operations comprise the following separate but interlinked activities:


Interact with tenants/ investors to ensure client satisfaction; Interact with potential investors to secure the investments. Interact with service providers in the development; management and operation of the Project. Interact with National Government in the development management and operation of the Project. Interact with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and the local authorities in the immediate vicinity, in the development management and operation of the Project. Interact with the other Executive Managers as necessary. Prepare progress reports regularly and as and when required.

STANDARD COMPLIANCE DUTIES

Furthermore, the EM of Operations is to ensure that:


You are aware of and have access to the CDC's SHEMS; You are aware of your responsibilities and duties as laid out in the CDC's SHEMS; You are aware that you work in a safe and environmentally friendly manner; You ensure that the company's housekeeping standards are maintained throughout your area of responsibility; You report any unsafe conditions or acts which you cannot rectify yourself to your SHE representative or to the Senior SHE Project Manager as soon as possible; You report all SHE incidents which occur within your area of responsibility promptly and in the correct format; You are totally familiar with your responsibilities in terms of the CDC's emergency plan; You communicate to the Chief Sustainability Officer any required changes to the SHEMS prior to implementing these changes; You timeously complete and correctly record any corrective action which needs to be taken in order to rectify a SHE matter; You give full co-operation to, and participate in (as required), the CDC's internal and external SHEMS audits.

You have the authority to:


Immediately stop any person(s) on CDC property from committing an unsafe or destructive act or omission; Take whatever immediate steps you deem necessary to prevent injury or environmental damage when confronted with an unsafe or destructive condition.

Additionally, ensure that:


During your period of employment and subsequent thereto, you shall keep confidential and shall not make use of, directly or indirectly, and shall not disclose any of the CDC's trade secrets or confidential information or those of its subsidiary or associate companies or those of other persons who have made disclosures to the CDC under conditions of confidentiality, other than to persons authorised by the CDC or those employed by the CDC who are required to know such secrets or to have such information for the purpose of their employment with the CDC. You shall not, without the written permission of the CEO, be directly or indirectly employed for gain in any business or pursuit other than that of the CDC. Such permission will be granted only if the CEO is satisfied that the activity is not in conflict with the CDC's interests, and that the Employee's ability to fulfil his/her duties to the CEO satisfaction will not be impaired. It is conditional that you and/or no immediate relative or member of your household be employed by an organisation in direct competition with the CDC, without the CDC's written approval. The CDC reserves the right to enquire as to the place of employment of your spouse or any member of your household. You will abide by the CDC Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy which seeks to codify the expected ethical behaviour from you, to meet the ideal of good corporate governance.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Contribution to overall corporate growth and development; An operational strategy for the SEZ and other relevant CDC businesses; Credible budgets developed and monitored; Sustainable revenue generation and income streams; Maintenance of CDC assets; Integration with external services such as the Port; Commercially viable service provision; Excellent stakeholder relationships; Investor/ tenant satisfaction and retention.

Fully functioning and excellently performing business unit;

WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum of least 15 years working experience as a Senior Manager in a large or medium sized organisation;

Experience in commercial negotiations, financial modelling and business operations management;

Working experience in capital and complex projects;

Solid experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams;

A solid track record in managing investors/tenants in a complex organisation;

Extensive experience in industrial property development;

Development and commercialization of business ideas; and

Conceptualization and development of organizational systems.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Post Graduate qualification in the Built Environment, B-Com Honours Degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, any related or equivalent;

Relevant postgraduate qualification preferably a Masters' degree will be advantageous;

A person of integrity and solid record of ethical leadership and credible reputation;

Strategic management with strong financial and commercial acumen;

Systems thinking;

Risk management;

Drive commercial negotiations;

Extensive understanding and experience in funding and management of large capital projects, strategic human capital deployment and governance related matters;

Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act, Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act and King Code on Corporate Governance and strategic management of the Commercial Unit;

Knowledge of the SEZ and the governing legislations;

Sound knowledge of Corporate Governance;

A good knowledge of public sector environment;

Ability to lead a business unit with multiple operations;

Conflict management, development and retention of stable organisational environments;

Closing date: 13 June 2025

CDC is an employment equity employer and placement will be in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

The appointment of candidates is subject to the verification of all their credentials (employment history, educational, financial, criminal and any other checks as may be necessary). Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and if you have not heard from us within two (2) months of submitting your application, please consider it unsuccessful.

CDC reserves the right not to make an appointment to any advertised position. No late applications will be considered.

All applications must be forwarded to

recruitment@coega.co.za

LOCATION: Gqeberha


EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT


GRADE: E3