Business Manager

Rivers Labour Consultants; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic player in the forestry sector is seeking a results-driven Business Manager in Pietermaritzburg. The role involves overseeing operations, managing financial activities, and leading teams across multiple units. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and possess at least 5 years of management experience, with strong financial and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a management or administration role, preferably in forestry, agriculture, or primary production industries.
• Proven background in financial management, cost accounting, and generating actionable business insights.
• Strong administrative and organisational ability, with capacity to oversee multiple sites/units.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily administration and operations across forestry and agricultural units.
• Prepare accurate and timely operational and financial reports.
• Assist in budget preparation, forecasting yields, and analysing variances.
• Create and implement operational policies to improve efficiency.

Skills

Financial management

Organisational skills

Leadership

Technical proficiency in MS Excel

Industry knowledge in forestry or agriculture

Education

Bachelor's degree in forestry, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field

Job description

Job Title : Business Manager

Location : KZN Midlands

Position Type : Full-time

Company Overview

Our client, a dynamic player in the forestry sector, is seeking a results-driven and hands-on Business Manager. This role will support the business owner in overseeing and managing the administrative and operational functions across multiple units. The ideal candidate will bring both business acumen and a strong understanding of operations, ensuring efficient day-to-day management and long-term strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight : Manage daily administration and operations across forestry and agricultural units to ensure smooth and efficient functioning.
• Financial Monitoring : Track, analyse, and allocate costs to farming / forestry activities, with a strong focus on cost accounting and input-output analysis.
• Reporting : Prepare accurate and timely operational and financial reports (daily, weekly, monthly) tailored to the agricultural and forestry environment.
• Budget & Forecasting : Assist in budget preparation, forecasting yields, analysing variances, and ensuring cost-effectiveness of agricultural inputs and forestry operations.
• Policy Development : Create and implement operational policies to improve efficiency while ensuring compliance with industry regulations, labour laws, and environmental standards.
• Human Resource Support : Oversee staff management, resource planning, and employee administration across farming / forestry operations.
• Cross-Functional Coordination : Work closely with farm / forestry managers, contractors, suppliers, and other business units to optimise workflow.
• Strategic Support : Provide insights and recommendations to the owner to inform long-term planning, sustainability initiatives, and operational improvements.
• Leadership : Lead, motivate, and develop teams to improve productivity and performance in both office and field-based roles.
• Efficiency & Productivity : Identify and implement strategies to improve profitability, resource use, and operational efficiency.
• Compliance : Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and forestry / agriculture-specific regulations.
• Supplier & Accounts Management : Oversee supplier relationships, ensure accurate production of purchase orders, and manage vendor payments within agreed limits.
• Data Collection & Analysis : Gather, track, and analyse operational and financial data, such as yield reports, input costs, and workforce productivity, to support decision-making.

Candidate Profile

• Education : Bachelor’s degree in forestry, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field.
• Experience : Minimum of 5 years in a management or administration role, preferably in forestry, agriculture, or primary production industries.
• Financial Skills : Proven background in financial management, cost accounting, and generating actionable business insights.
• Organisational Skills : Strong administrative and organisational ability, with capacity to oversee multiple sites / units.
• Leadership : Demonstrated leadership with the ability to coordinate diverse teams in both operational and administrative environments.
• Technical Proficiency : Proficient in MS Excel and reporting tools.
• Industry Knowledge : Practical experience with forestry or agricultural processes, seasonal cycles, resource management, and production planning is highly valued.
• Personal Attributes : Proactive, detail-oriented, and resourceful, with strong integrity and initiative to drive continuous improvement.

Remuneration

A competitive salary package will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications.