Business Unit Manager - VKB Mechanization, Modderrivier

VKB Agriculture; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

VKB Group in South Africa seeks a commercially minded leader to head the Mechanization Business Unit, driving profitability and customer service across Parts, Workshop and Whole Goods divisions.

You will build high-performing teams, manage budgets, stock, and processes, while fostering strong relationships with customers and suppliers in a dynamic agricultural environment. The role entails strategic financial oversight, and leadership within a regional dealer network.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / NQF4 is essential.
• Tertiary qualification in Agriculture, Business Management, Mechanical or related field advantageous.
• Minimum 3 years' management experience in agricultural mechanization, dealership, workshop, parts or related industry.
• Proven knowledge of CASE IH, New Holland, and other agricultural equipment, implements and parts.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the Parts, Workshop, and Whole Goods departments.
• Drive branch profitability and achieve financial and operational targets.
• Manage stock levels and inventory within company guidelines.
• Monitor budgets, expenses, stock losses, and overall business performance.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members to maximize performance and engagement.
• Ensure exceptional customer service and effectively resolve customer concerns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Oversee workshop administration, warranty claims, and service processes.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Identify and implement strategies to grow sales and market share.
• Analyze business performance and prepare management reports.
• Take ownership of branch financial performance and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

People development

Commercial acumen

Financial acumen

Negotiation

Customer service

Education

Grade 12 / NQF4

Tertiary qualification in Agriculture/Business/Mechanical

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Introduction to the VKB Group

The VKB Group is an agricultural company providing support to farmers and producing straight-from-the-farm foods for consumers. Apart from its various consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK.

Our roots are firmly planted in agriculture, with farming at our core, continuously growing and evolving throughout the years. Starting with providing everything needed on the farm to produce food, we now operate across the entire food supply chain, including processing, logistics, storage, handling and national and international market channels.

This 'house of brands', established with the support of our farmer shareholders, forms the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future.

More About VKB Mechanization

VKB Mechanization is a leading provider of agricultural machinery, parts, workshop services, and technical support to farmers across South Africa. Through trusted brands such as New Holland and CASE IH, we help producers maximize efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Our success is built on exceptional customer service, technical expertise, and a commitment to supporting the agricultural industry.

Why this role matters?

The Business Unit Manager: Mechanization is a critical leadership role responsible for driving the performance and profitability of the Parts, Workshop, and Whole Goods departments. This position ensures operational excellence, delivers exceptional customer service, develops high-performing teams, and supports the sustainable growth of the mechanization business. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining strong customer relationships while ensuring efficient branch operations.

Why join VKB?

At VKB, you become part of a respected agricultural organization committed to innovation, collaboration, and service excellence. We empower our people to take ownership, develop their careers, and contribute to the success of the farming communities we serve. Our values of being Humble, Hungry, Smart, Bold, and Team Players guide everything we do.

What success looks like?

Success in this role is demonstrated through profitable business growth, strong customer retention, effective leadership of the Parts, Workshop, and Whole Goods divisions, sound financial management, high levels of stock accuracy, efficient workshop performance, and a motivated team aligned with VKB's values and objectives.

Who are we looking for

We are looking for a commercially minded leader with a strong understanding of agricultural mechanization and dealership operations. The ideal candidate is customer-focused, results-driven, and passionate about developing people and growing business performance. They should be comfortable managing financial performance, building lasting customer relationships, and leading teams in a dynamic agricultural environment.

Minimum requirements, including:

• Grade 12 / NQF4 (essential)
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Agriculture, Business Management, Mechanical Related, or a related field will be advantageous
• Minimum 3 years' management experience within an agricultural mechanization, dealership, workshop, parts, or related industry
• Proven knowledge of CASE IH, New Holland, and other agricultural equipment, implements, and parts
• Strong understanding of agricultural mechanization operations and customer requirements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Valid driver's license

Skills and Competencies that will set you apart:

• Strong leadership and people development skills
• Sound business, commercial, and financial acumen
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building abilities
• Customer-focused mindset with a passion for service excellence
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Marketing and business development aptitude to drive growth
• Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills
• Knowledge of stock control, workshop operations, and dealership management
• Ability to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and business growth
• Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills
• Accountable, adaptable, and resilient under pressure
• A true team player who builds long-term relationships that matter

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the Parts, Workshop, and Whole Goods departments
• Drive branch profitability and achieve financial and operational targets
• Manage stock levels and inventory within company guidelines
• Monitor budgets, expenses, stock losses, and overall business performance
• Lead, coach, and develop team members to maximize performance and engagement
• Ensure exceptional customer service and effectively resolve customer concerns
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders
• Oversee workshop administration, warranty claims, and service processes
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Identify and implement strategies to grow sales and market share
• Analyze business performance and prepare management reports
• Take ownership of branch financial performance and operational excellence

Important Information for Applicants

VKB Group reserves the right to close or withdraw any vacancy at its discretion. All personal information submitted through the Career Portal will be used solely for recruitment purposes and, where applicable, for matters related to employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, VKB Group is committed to Employment Equity, transformation, and the inclusion of People with Disabilities. Our recruitment decisions are aligned with the VKB Group Employment Equity Plan and Transformation Strategy.

A Note on Honesty and Integrity

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete a screening questionnaire. We strongly encourage all candidates to answer every question honestly and accurately.

At VKB Group, our culture is rooted in the values of being Humble, Hungry, Smart, Bold, and Playing as One Team. We believe in building authentic relationships and making sound decisions based on trust and integrity. Misrepresenting qualifications, experience, competencies, criminal history, or any other information may result in your application being withdrawn or your employment being terminated should discrepancies be identified during verification processes.

We respect your time and ask that you respect ours by providing truthful information throughout the recruitment process. This helps ensure that we focus on candidates who are genuinely aligned with the requirements of the role and the values of our organisation.