Business Manager Nutrition and Agriculture

CF & I Consulting; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

CF & I Consulting seeks an experienced Business Manager for a senior leadership role serving Southern Africa, with base in Cape Town or Johannesburg. You will drive sustainable growth, improve operations and lead a multidisciplinary team across the region.

The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of senior leadership experience, strong financial and strategic capabilities, and a track record in business development within food/agriculture or related sectors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or equivalent qualification in food, agriculture, science or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience including senior management or business leadership.
• Strong knowledge of food or agricultural sectors, including testing/quality.
• Experience in technical, laboratory, testing, inspection or related services is advantageous.
• Proven success in business development, commercial management and operations leadership.
• Excellent financial, strategic and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong client relationship, negotiation and communication skills.
• English and Afrikaans proficiency would be beneficial.
• Willingness to operate across Southern Africa.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business plans to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
• Identify new markets, services and opportunities in nutrition, food and agriculture sectors.
• Oversee divisional operations and ensure high-quality execution.
• Manage budgets, monitor performance and take corrective action where required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders in said sectors.
• Lead, develop and motivate a high-performing team.
• Support contract negotiations, pricing decisions and commercial risk management.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality, safety and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor relevant market developments, technologies and industry trends.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Client relationship management

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in food/agriculture/science or related field

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Business Manager for a senior leadership opportunity within an established organisation operating across Southern Africa, and either based in Cape Town or Johannesburg.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving sustainable business growth, improving operational performance and leading a multidisciplinary team. This position requires a commercially astute leader who can translate strategy into action while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business plans to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
• Identify new markets, services and commercial opportunities in the nutrition, food and agriculture sectors.
• Oversee divisional operations and ensure consistent, high-quality execution.
• Manage budgets, monitor performance and implement corrective action where required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders in said sectors.
• Lead, develop and motivate a high-performing team.
• Support contract negotiations, pricing decisions and commercial risk management.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality, safety and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor relevant market developments, technologies and industry trends.

Candidate Profile

• A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably within food, agriculture, science or a related field.
• At least 10 years' relevant experience, including senior management or business leadership responsibility.
• Sound knowledge of the food and/or agricultural sectors, in regards to various aspects, e.g. testing and quality.
• Experience in a technical, laboratory, testing, inspection or related service environment would be advantageous.
• Proven success in business development, commercial management and operational leadership.
• Strong financial, strategic and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent client relationship, negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English and Afrikaans would be beneficial.
• Willingness to operate across the Southern African region.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished business leader who enjoys combining commercial growth, operational responsibility and people leadership.