AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES SPECIALIST - FOOD GROUP - CAPE TOWN

To lead the development and execution of the Company's Seafood Procurement Strategy and Fishing for the Future seafood sustainability programme, ensuring the responsible sourcing of sustainable, high-quality seafood that aligns with the Company's brand values and sustainability commitments. This role strengthens leadership in responsible seafood procurement, focusing on supplier partnerships and NGO partnerships, ethical sourcing practices, and compliance with environmental standards to support long-term ocean health and customer trust.

• Strategic Development: Collaborate with management to shape and drive long-term Seafood Strategy, focusing on sustainable growth and aligning with the Company's vision for responsible sourcing.
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Partner with colleagues, suppliers, and producers to enhance the sustainability, competitiveness, resilience, and quality of seafood supply chains and products.
• Supplier & Industry Relations: Cultivate strong relationships with suppliers, farming groups, and industry networks, working closely with processors to address issues that could impact customer expectations and long-term sustainability.
• Procurement: Sourcing new species and ensuring availability within the supply base, as well as working within the matrix operational team and ensuring accuracy of marketing and artwork within the business.
• Quality Improvement: Set ambitious goals to challenge current specifications and elevate product quality, ensuring seafood offerings exceed customer expectations.
• Innovation & Communication: Identify innovative opportunities within the seafood category and develop strategies to communicate the Company's seafood sustainability efforts to customers, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Food Safety & Ethical Risk Management: Actively identify and mitigate food safety and ethical risks throughout the supply chain to maintain high standards and build consumer trust.
• Training and Education: Develop training and education curricula and materials for the Company's seafood teams, suppliers, and customers.

• 8-10 years of experience in the seafood industry, with a deep understanding of the fisheries and aquaculture industry challenges, opportunities, and value chains, including upstream activity, direct operations, downstream activities, and end-of-life activities, and aquaculture from farm to table.
• Strong understanding of key environmental, social, and economic risks, issues, and opportunities within the supply chain.
• Established network or familiarity with key stakeholders in the Sustainable Seafood Movement.
• Proven skills in program and project management, with experience leading initiatives from concept to implementation.
• Ability to identify and solve problems effectively, collaborating with teams and suppliers.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a commitment to high standards and quality.
• Assertive communicator with strong conflict resolution and influencing skills.
• Team player, able to work well within a diverse group.
• Able to perform effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with the flexibility to travel as required.
• Strong judgment, business understanding, and problem-solving ability, with a capacity for strategic thinking as well as strong research, writing, and presentation skills.
• BSc, MSc or MPhil in Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, or Marine Biology