Regional Member Manager position available in the MPO Eastern Cape region

Read the full Regional Member Manager job description below. Closing date for applications is 10 January 2022. For more information, contact Fanie Ferreira at 083 453 9339 or fanief@mpo.co.za. 

1. JOB TITLE
Regional Member Manager (RMM)

2. REPORTING STRUCTURE
• Reports to:
The RMM reports to the Chief Executive
• Direct reports:
There are no subordinates reporting to the RMM.
• Placement:
The RMM will be based at a region of the MPO

3. JOB PURPOSE
• The RMM is responsible for handling the most important member accounts in a region by building and maintaining a strong relationship with the members.
• The identified members will be the lead point of contact for all member matters by anticipating the member’s needs and helping the member to succeed.
• The RMM will also bring in new business from existing members or contacts, and will develop new relationships with potential members.
• The RMM is responsible as liaison between members of the Milk Producers’ Organisation, Board and Executive Committee members, the head office of the Milk Producers’ Organisation and affiliated organisations within the dairy industry.
• The purpose of the position is to liaise and network with industry professionals to generate funds for projects (fundraising), and to effectively organise and coordinate projects (event planning).

4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Developing a solid and trusting relationship between members of the MPO and the MPO.
• Resolving member issues and complaints.
• Developing a complete understanding of member needs.
• Anticipating member changes and improvements.
• Managing communications between members and internal teams to ensure that they stay abreast of all relevant information (this includes verbal and written communication in a professional manner).
• Strategic planning together with the member to improve member results.
• Establishing and overseeing internal budgets with the company.
• Working within a matrix of the MPO to ensure that all member needs are met.
• Planning and presenting reports on member progress, goals, and quarterly initiatives to share with team members analysing member data to provide customer relationship management.
• Expanding relationships and bringing in new members.
• Close cooperation with the training manager in all marketing efforts of training to members and organising of training according to the training needs of the members. Work together with the training manager in supporting the training needs of the members.
• Effectively communicate and network with professionals in the dairy industry in order to generate funds for projects (fundraising), in a professional manner.
• Organise, manage, and coordinate projects and meetings effectively.
• This includes the coordination of invitations, information packs, agendas, attendance registers, and name tags for conferences and road shows.
• Responsible to ensure that projects are conducted on time and within budget.
• Preparation and adherence to a project timeline.
• Ensure member membership debts are settled.
• Site visits across the region of responsibility, to relevant event venues, members, and sponsors.
• Weekly reporting to the to the Chief Executive
• Provide member data to the Database Administrator on a regular basis to ensure the database is always up to date.

General management of the regional office.
• Ensure up to date administration and record keeping of relevant database and filing.
• Coordinate catering for central committee meetings.
• Liaise and coordinating actions between sponsor companies, management, and the media.

Ad hoc duties.
• The RMM must perform all reasonable and lawful tasks as allocated or instructed by his/her seniors, which fall within the skills and abilities of the RMM.
• This includes attending business functions on behalf of the relevant region of the Milk Producers’ Organisation, as and when required.

5. PRE-REQUISITES
• A tertiary qualification in agriculture with special focus on dairy will be an advantage.
• The employee must have at least three (3) years’ relevant experience.
• A drivers’ license is essential.
• The employee must be fluent in English. The ability to speak or understand Afrikaans or at least one African language that is prevalent in a particular Region will be an advantage.
• If necessary, the regional member manager should be able to work from home.
• Must be prepared to travel around the region.

6. COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS
Technical competencies
• Experience and knowledge of the agricultural industry is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) is essential.

Behavioral competencies
• The RMM must have excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Effective time-management skills are essential.
• A strong interpersonal relationship with all relevant stakeholders, role player, and colleagues across the Milk Producers’ Organisation and its affiliates is essential.
• The RMM manager must be a pro-active, innovative, creative, assertive, and disciplined individual who can work independently to ensure deadlines are met and that all duties are conducted thoroughly and professionally.
• A basic understanding of the dairy industry and the functions of the Milk Producers’ Organisation will be an advantage.
• Able to multitask, prioritise, and manage time efficiently.
• Goal-oriented, organised team player.
• Self-motivated and self-directed.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship skills.
• In-depth understanding of key members and their position in the industry.
• Able to analyse data and other statistics and translate this into better solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must be a listener, a presenter, and a people-person.
• Strong negotiation skills, with ability follow-through on members’ needs.

7. WORKING CONDITIONS
• This is a fulltime employment.
• All the provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act are applicable.
• The RMM must be able to travel to visit producers and when necessary for events during time of conferences, road shows, and other relevant functions.

8 PATTERSON GRADING
This position is graded as C1 on the Patterson system.

9. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
None.

10. DISCLAIMER
The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of a RMM, but to be used as a clear guideline.