Commercial Manager

Guardian Recruiting (Pty) Ltd; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Competitive salary package

Job summary

Guardian Recruiting (Pty) Ltd client is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead the strategic expansion of a vital plant variety distribution network across South Africa and the broader SADC region. The role focuses on growth, operational optimization, and strengthening industry relationships to support the regional footprint.

Key duties include expanding distribution, licensing administration, new business development, importation and quarantine coordination, reporting, site visits, and industry

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in a commercial or related managerial role within agriculture or FMCG sectors.
• Strong business development and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to coordinate complex logistical and licensing operations.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and reporting capabilities.
• Ability to adapt swiftly to changing environments and stakeholder needs.

Responsibilities

• Drive the implementation and advancement of distribution strategies across territories.
• Administer licensing agreements, ensuring compliance and value realization.
• Develop new business avenues and strengthen existing partnerships.
• Coordinate logistical operations related to plant material importation and quarantine.
• Prepare operational, financial, and variety performance reports.
• Support industry engagement through events and field days.
• Contribute insights to improve business processes and reduce risks.

Job description

Are you ready to lead the strategic expansion of a vital plant variety distribution network across South Africa and the broader SADC region? Our client, an established organization within the agriculture and FMCG sectors, is seeking a Commercial Manager capable of driving growth, optimizing operations, and strengthening industry relationships to support their ambitious regional footprint.

Where You'll Make an Impact:

• Implement and refine the distribution model to enhance efficiency and market reach.
• Manage proprietary licensing agreements with diverse stakeholders including producers, nurseries, and distributors.
• Cultivate new business opportunities and expand profitable relationships within the industry.
• Oversee plant material orders, importation, and quarantine processes to ensure seamless variety deployment.
• Prepare detailed reports, monitor financial performance, and support operational budgeting.
• Conduct field and nursery visits, addressing grower concerns and ensuring quality standards.
• Lead industry events, coordinate field days, and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the Technical Team to identify efficiencies, mitigate risks, and support strategic initiatives.

Duties:

• Drive the implementation and advancement of distribution strategies across territories.
• Administer licensing agreements, ensuring compliance and value realization.
• Develop new business avenues and strengthen existing partnerships.
• Coordinate logistical operations related to plant material importation and quarantine.
• Prepare operational, financial, and variety performance reports.
• Perform site visits, audits, and monitor grower satisfaction.
• Support industry engagement through event planning and stakeholder feedback collection.
• Contribute insights to improve business processes and reduce risks.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in a commercial or related managerial role within agriculture or FMCG sectors.
• Strong business development acumen and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to coordinate complex logistical and licensing operations.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and reporting capabilities.
• Ability to adapt swiftly to changing environments and stakeholder needs.

Nice to Have:

• Experience in regional distribution within Africa.
• Familiarity with licensing agreements and import/export regulations.

What We'll Give You:

• The opportunity to shape the growth of a key regional distribution network.
• A hybrid work environment supporting flexibility.
• Competitive salary package, with benefits aligned to industry standards.
• The chance to influence industry standards and drive impactful business transformation.