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CAREERS

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, MAKASSAR
Posted April 5 2023
Overview of Project 
 

MARI (PT. MARI Sejahtera Indonesia) is a community-based organisation that supports seaweed farmers' businesses through sustainable and fair cooperative models. By leveraging decades of regional farming experience and providing support systems such as advanced technology, sustainable tools and efficient operations, MARI seeks to increase household earnings and empower farmers. The company tackles the challenges and risks inhibiting the growth of seaweed farmers, adopting a systems-based approach and placing farmers at the heart of its operation.   

 

Our financial offering through a cooperative structure will drive membership expansion from South Sulawesi across multiple locations in Indonesia to 1,500 farmers by 2027. This will support improved practice and governance, rebalancing, and transitioning the entire seaweed sector into a formalised industry that works for all. MARI is seeking to scale its first site, already established in South Sulawesi and is looking to add to its growing team in the region.   

Overview of Role 
 

MARI seeks an experienced Commercial Director to manage all commercial seaweed activities nationally. As part of the senior leadership team, the role will work alongside the CEO, taking the lead on all seaweed supply chain management activities and creating requisite operational frameworks to guarantee the timely delivery of high quality products as per buyer needs. In addition, collaborating with the Quality and Farm Management team, the role will work towards continuous improvements of output products and standards, enhancing both the commercial value of farmed seaweed and the reputation of MARI as a business. 

 

As both an internal and external facing role, candidates must have a dynamic, engaging and pragmatic personality, with sufficient ambition not only to manage core MARI business but also to represent the organisation externally. Candidates should be experienced in aquaculture supply chains and seaweed, specifically where possible. More importantly, they must be open to new ways of working to support the development of this new business model. Furthermore, candidates must possess sufficient trading book management skills and attention to detail to maintain close control of company processes whilst reporting to stakeholders effectively. 

 

At MARI, we seek people with passion, integrity, and a strong desire to improve the world. We expect staff to question the accepted norms and challenge all to improve on what we do, establishing a culture of continual improvement. Even if your experience does not match the job description, you are still encouraged to apply. Your skills and passion will stand out, especially if your career has taken extraordinary twists and turns. We welcome diverse perspectives, and people aren't afraid to challenge the status quo. 

Job Responsibilities
 

  • Oversight of the development and management of supply chain logistics, inventory and export processes, including commercial orders and export licensing, to satisfy buyers’ requirements in terms of traceability, sustainability and quality  

  • Management of relationships with commercial clients, spanning international conglomerates, domestic processors, and global seaweed product innovators 

  • Conception, design and implementation of the company’s production scaling strategy, in line with business growth targets whilst delivering for core client base 

  • Engagement with global and regional stakeholders across the seaweed industry as a source of insight for novel product and practice development, supporting competitive positioning of the business 

  • Principal compliance management and risk ownership for MARI commercial processes, remaining informed on relevant local and international regulation, particularly for seaweed aquaculture, and supporting Operations Management in engagement with local authorities 

  • Direct coordination with Quality & Farm Management and Farm Site staff to deliver improvements in quality and sustainability, in line with both client requirements and community benefit 

  • Supporting Quality & Farm Management in the development of suitable and adjustable training to increase the capability of farmers to increase quality, productivity, sustainability and safety, and improve the livelihoods of the farmers 

  • Design, development and management of commercial reporting framework, working closely with Finance to ensure adequate reporting to stakeholders, including donors and investors 

  • Develop and maintain reporting for internal and external purposes  

Qualifications
 

  • Five years of relevant professional experience working in area similar area 

  • OR 

  • Master’s degree in Aquaculture, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Business, Business Administration or Management, Rural Development, or related fields 

  • Strong knowledge or interest in tropical seaweed production systems and markets  

  • Thorough understanding of sustainable development and rural community engagement 

  • Exceptional negotiation and decision-making aptitudes 

  • Powerful and effective interpersonal communication skills 

  • Outstanding logical, problem-solving, and administration skills  

  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced, result-oriented, and collaborative workplace  

  • Well-developed people and team management ability 

  • Fluency in Indonesian, and exceptional proficiency in English (both spoken and written)  

  • Self-starter, with a desire to work in a start-up and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment  

Salary

The successful candidate will be on a 24-month contract and an annual salary based on profile and experience.  This will be subject to a performance review after the first 12 months, after which the option of a permanent position will become available.  
Location

Based at MARI’s flexible office locations in Makassar with regular travel to partner locations and across Indonesia as required, with the option to flexibly work from home.   
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