Agri-Business Development Manager

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car or travel allowance

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

International travel opportunities

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Agri‑Business Development Manager in Paarl, Western Cape. You will identify and capitalize on new business opportunities inside agriculture, both locally and internationally, while shaping growth strategy with executive leadership.

You will lead market analysis, feasibility studies, and strategic partnerships, and drive growth initiatives, including potential mergers, acquisitions, or joint ventures. A robust agriculture background will be highly valued.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in business development, strategic planning, or corporate finance with focus on agriculture.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and valuation skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures is desirable.
• Willingness to travel internationally and domestically.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess new market opportunities, partnerships, and investment prospects in agriculture.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and feasibility studies for proposed ventures.
• Develop and execute strategic business plans to grow market share.
• Negotiate and structure agreements for joint ventures, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders including industry leaders and government agencies.
• Analyze financial data, prepare business cases, and present proposals to senior management.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and technology affecting agriculture.
• Manage a pipeline of BD projects from concept to execution.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful implementation of initiatives.
• Represent the company at industry conferences and networking events.

Skills

Market analysis

Financial modeling

Valuation

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Stakeholder relations

Strategic planning

Education

MBA or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic agri‑business group with significant operations in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced Agri‑Business Development Manager. This strategic role will focus on identifying, evaluating, and capitalizing on new business opportunities within the agricultural sector, both domestically and internationally. The successful candidate will be responsible for market analysis, feasibility studies, strategic partnership development, and driving growth initiatives. You will work closely with executive leadership to shape the company's growth strategy, identify market trends, and explore potential mergers, acquisitions, or joint ventures. This position requires a strong understanding of agricultural markets, financial acumen, and exceptional negotiation and relationship‑building skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in business development, strategic planning, and a passion for innovation in agriculture. You will be a key player in expanding the company's reach and diversifying its portfolio. The Paarl region, known for its agricultural significance, provides an excellent base for this role. This is an opportunity to influence the strategic direction of a leading agri‑business. You will be responsible for uncovering and nurturing new avenues for growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess new market opportunities, potential partnerships, and investment prospects within the agricultural sector.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and feasibility studies for proposed ventures.
• Develop and execute strategic business plans to drive company growth and expand market share.
• Negotiate and structure agreements for joint ventures, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including industry leaders, government agencies, and potential partners.
• Analyze financial data, prepare business cases, and present proposals to senior management.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements affecting the agricultural sector.
• Manage a pipeline of potential business development projects from initial concept to execution.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., operations, finance, legal) to ensure successful implementation of new initiatives.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Agricultural Economics, Finance, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in business development, strategic planning, or corporate finance, with a significant focus on the agricultural sector.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and executing new business opportunities.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and valuation skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of global and South African agricultural markets and value chains.
• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, and joint venture negotiations is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel internationally and domestically as required.

Benefits

• Attractive base salary with a substantial performance-based bonus structure.
• Company car or travel allowance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Exposure to strategic decision-making at the highest levels of the company.
• The chance to shape the future growth of a leading agri‑business.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Generous annual leave.