Commercial Operations Manager, South Africa

United Phosphorus Limited (UPL); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Commercial Operations Manager to enhance their customer service and supply chain functions. This role involves collaborating with various teams to ensure efficient delivery of products and services across Southern Africa. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agriculture, with over 10 years of experience in agricultural chemicals. You will lead a dedicated team, manage stock levels, and maintain excellent relationships with key stakeholders. If you're driven by results and have a passion for sustainable agriculture, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in agricultural chemicals environment.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Supply Chain to meet commercial demand.
• Manage stock levels and ensure accurate order processing.
• Lead the customer service team and drive process improvements.

Skills

Change Management

Communication

Creativity

Result Orientation

Relationship Skills

Analytical Skills

High Computer Literacy

Education

BSc in Agriculture

MBA

Job description

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Commercial Operations Manager, South Africa

Job Id: 10920

Location: Derdepoort, Gauteng, South Africa

Department: Customer Service

Employee Type: Permanent Full Time

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level

Overview

UPL is focused on emerging as a premier global provider of total crop solutions designed to secure the world’s long-term food supply. We aim to win farmers' hearts worldwide by leading with innovative products and services that promote sustainable agriculture. As the fastest-growing company in the industry, our success translates into strong financial performance. UPL is committed to improving our presence, workplace, and customer engagement globally.

Our purpose is 'OpenAg', an agriculture network that fosters sustainable growth for all, with no borders or limits. We operate as one team, focusing on customer needs, anticipating future demands, and creating innovative solutions. We value agility, speed, structured processes, and having fun along the way.

Role Summary

Function

Time Spent

Commercial Support Function

• Collaborate with the Supply Chain/Inventory Manager on delivering goods and services per commercial demand.
• Ensure regional delivery for Southern Africa meets commercial expectations.
• Keep the commercial team and customers informed about stock-outs, supply issues, delays, and other supply-related challenges.
• Coordinate with supply chain to ensure manufacturing, planning, and distribution meet demand.
• Assist in national stock allocations versus forecasts.
• Participate in system enhancements to improve operational efficiency and service levels.
• Ensure accurate monthly pricing and correct order processing.

Percentage of time: 30%

• Manage stock levels, monitor SOH and orders, and communicate with warehouse.
• Provide regular feedback to customers and follow up on stock queries.
• Manage collections to reduce lead times.
• Coordinate order and load communication with the warehouse.
• Manage back orders and system cleanup.

Percentage of time: 25%

Staff Management

• Set goals, KPIs, and oversee performance of reporting staff.

Percentage of time: 15%

Customer & Commercial Team Relationships

• Maintain excellent relationships with key stakeholders.
• Support other supply team functions like procurement, warehouse, forecast, finance.

Percentage of time: 15%

Customer Service

• Lead the customer service team (six direct reports).
• Support communication with key stakeholders.
• Oversee daily customer service operations.
• Drive process improvements and ensure compliance.

Percentage of time: 15%

Internal Stakeholders

• Finance, Manufacturing, Operations, Commercial Services, Marketing, Regulatory, Supply Chain.

External Stakeholders

• Customers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Change management, communication, creativity, result orientation, relationship skills, analytical skills, high computer literacy.

Qualifications

• BSc in Agriculture or similar; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years in agricultural chemicals environment.

Behavioral Requirements

Attention to detail, resilience, drive for results, adaptability, creativity, strategic thinking, team-building, customer focus, and cultural awareness.