Job Description

Job Purpose

You are responsible for driving the strategic projects and business optimisation initiatives of the company. This role involves comprehensive planning, project development and management, continuous benchmarking, continuous process improvements, performance monitoring, business reporting and governance. You lead identified strategic growth projects. Coordinate integrated business planning and facilitate development of functional plans in alignment with company goals. Manage the quarterly review and performance monitoring process. Compile Exco and Board reports.



You lead the SHEQ function to ensure that all safety, health, environmental, and quality standards are strictly adhered to across the organization. This role is integral to the operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and overall sustainability of the company.



You liaise with SAA Group Risk and Compliance Management to provide leadership around the development and management of the company's risk and compliance framework, risk appetite and selection of its risk management and mitigation tools and techniques to enable a holistic perspective and analysis of the measurement and management of the organisation's financial and non-financial risks in line with agreed ERM standards. These frameworks include internal audit, risk management, regulatory compliance and business continuity management.



You develop, implement and maintain the Air Chefs Catering Stores and Catering Supplies Security Manual as per the National Aviation Security Programme (NASP) and Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR's). Monitor and ensure adherence to loss control systems, policies, and procedures to maximise the protection of company assets and to ensure effective asset control according to the business risk profile.

Principal Accountabilities

Support the development of long-term organizational strategy Identify, analyse and recommend strategic initiatives to enhance business growth and profitability Develop and implement strategic plans to advance the company's mission and objectives. Collaborate with senior management to align strategic goals with company objectives Coordinate the creation of aligned KPIs across the company Develop and implement integrated business planning processes to align strategic goals with operational activities Coordinate cross-functional teams to develop and execute business plans. Drive continuous improvement in business planning processes. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration Assess and improve existing business processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness Implement best practices and innovative solutions to optimize operations and reduce costs Identify and implement business optimization initiatives to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Benchmark against industry best practices to identify areas for improvement. Lead and manage performance monitoring and reporting to ensure targets are met. Conduct strategy workshops with managers to cascade strategy from EXCO into operational plans Coach and facilitate learning internally to drive buy-in Develop project management framework and standards Compile project budgets Oversee the management of strategic projects from inception to completion. Collaborate with Procurement on vendor management for identified strategic projects Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Implement project management methodologies and tools to enhance project execution. The SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) is a pivotal position within the company, tasked with ensuring that all safety, health, environmental, and quality standards are strictly adhered to across the organization. This role is integral to the operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and overall sustainability of the company. A SHEQ Manager not only implements policies that comply with the latest laws and regulations but also manages risk and ensures that the highest levels of workplace safety and environmental integrity are maintained. Supervise the quality monitoring processes of the business value chain to ensure adherence to SHEQ and other Food Safety standards. Lead a multidisciplinary team to achieve business objectives for quality, health, safety and environment. Development, review and Update SHEQ policies and procedures as and when required (i.e. changes in legal or customer requirements). Approved ERM and Compliance framework, strategy, implementation plan and policies Prompt flagging and management of potential risks (including consequence management) Risk assessments and reporting Regulatory and compliance management Robust control environment Business adherence to regulatory, key risk and compliance standards Ensure compliance in accordance with Air Chefs Catering Stores and Catering Supplies Security Manual as approved by South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Monitor and Review Security Regulatory Affairs, Compliance issues, Manual and Policy reviews and changes, and operational, Aviation Security issues The development and promulgation of overall security standards, practices, and procedures to provide line management and other functions with direction and control. Establishing a clear order of command in the company security structures and functions. Ensuring effectiveness of the security manual by regular evaluation and inspection. Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or performance. Analyse operational expenses and identify areas for cost reduction Monitor and control operational expenses to ensure cost efficiency. Identify industry standards and best practices to benchmark organizational performance Implement benchmarking findings to drive continuous improvement Establish performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards strategic goals Monitor and evaluate the performance of various departments and projects Prepare and present reports to senior management and stakeholders Provide insights and recommendations based on data analysis and reporting

Qualifications & Experience

Experience:

At least 10 years in management role, of which 5 must be senior reporting to Exco level Proven experience in strategic planning, business optimization, and project management. Experience in managing SHEQ compliance systems. Risk Management & Compliance models, practices and supporting policies and procedures Working knowledge best practice guidelines and corporate governance. Combined assurance Cross operational best practice Knowledge of budgeting process and management thereof

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge, Attributes and Skills required:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent leadership and team management abilities. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Strong proficiency in business planning software and tools.

Attributes

Strategic Thinking Project Management Business Acumen Leadership Analytical Skills Communication Skills Performance Monitoring Self-awareness Analytical Thinking Judgement and Critical Thinking Achievement Orientation Resourcefulness Organizational Awareness Impact and Influence Teamwork and Cooperation Customer Service Orientation Conflict Management Negotiations

Additional Information

Air Chefs SOC Ltd is a premium food solutions company with over 40 years of experience. A

wholly owned subsidiary of South African Airways, we are uniquely positioned to deliver

exceptional food and hospitality services across air, corporate, and event sectors.



With three strategically located operational units in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban,

we have the capacity to produce over 50 000 meals daily, serving domestic and international

airlines, airport lounges, events, and corporate canteens.