Manager: Timber Marketing

TWK Agri; Piet Retief; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

TWK Agri is seeking a Manager: Timber Marketing to lead timber marketing and procurement within the Timber Division at Piet Retief, Mpumalanga. You will drive strategies, secure sustainable supply, and grow profitable markets by coordinating with growers, suppliers and customers.

The role requires strong negotiation, leadership, and financial management skills to achieve volume, margin and service targets, with extensive travel within operational areas as needed.

Qualifications

• Matric/Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Relevant degree/diploma in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Business Management, Supply Chain Management or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement timber procurement and sales strategies to achieve volumes, sales targets and margins.
• Secure sustainable timber supply through relationships with growers and suppliers.
• Negotiate procurement and customer sales agreements, including pricing, volumes, quality, and delivery terms.
• Monitor timber market trends and industry developments.
• Identify new procurement opportunities and supplier partnerships.
• Coordinate timber sourcing with logistics and operations to meet customer requirements.

Skills

Negotiation

Relationship management

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Financial management

Analytical ability

Planning

Problem-solving

MS Office

Education

Matric/Grade 12

Degree or Diploma in Forestry or related field

Postgraduate qualification (advantageous)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

TWK Agri has the following vacancy available: Manager: Timber Marketing within the Timber division at Piet Retief, Mpumalanga.

Job Summary

The incumbent will lead TWK Agri’s timber marketing and procurement function, securing sustainable timber supply and developing profitable customer markets. Responsibilities include managing grower and supplier relationships, negotiating timber procurement and sales agreements, coordinating supply with customer requirements, and achieving agreed volume, margin and service targets.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop and implement timber procurement and sales strategies to achieve agreed supply volumes, sales targets and commercial margins
• Secure sustainable timber supply through the development and maintenance of strong relationships with growers, suppliers and industry stakeholders
• Negotiate timber procurement and customer sales agreements, including pricing, volumes, quality specifications and delivery terms
• Monitor timber market trends, industry developments and competitive market activities
• Identify new procurement opportunities, supplier partnerships and business growth opportunities
• Manage timber procurement programmes to ensure supply requirements are achieved efficiently and cost-effectively
• Collaborate with logistics and operational teams to optimise timber sourcing, planning and delivery processes
• Match timber species, grades and quality specifications to customer requirements, and coordinate timber allocation and deliveries with the relevant operational teams
• Monitor timber supply performance and resolve operational or supply challenges proactively
• Assist in developing timber resource management plans that support sustainability and business objectives
• Prepare procurement, supply and market reports for management and strategic decision-making
• Monitor procurement costs, transport and handling costs, selling prices and commercial margins against approved budgets and targets
• Ensure compliance with company policies, relevant industry requirements and applicable timber certification, source verification and traceability requirements
• Represent TWK Agri at industry events, networking forums and stakeholder engagements
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives within the timber procurement and marketing environment
• Contribute to strategic planning and business development initiatives within the Timber Division
• Lead, develop and manage the performance of the timber marketing team

Qualifications and Skills

• Matric / Grade 12
• Relevant Degree or Diploma in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Business Management, Supply Chain Management or related field
• Postgraduate qualification (advantageous)
• Minimum 5-8 years' experience within the forestry, timber, pulp and paper, sawmilling, timber procurement or related industries
• Minimum 5 years' managerial or leadership experience
• Strong understanding of timber supply chains, procurement practices and timber market dynamics
• Experience negotiating commercial agreements, procurement contracts and supplier arrangements
• Sound understanding of sustainable forestry and timber resource management principles
• Experience working with growers, timber suppliers, contractors and industry stakeholders
• Strong commercial, analytical and financial management skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management abilities
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret market information and convert insights into practical business strategies
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Willingness to travel extensively within operational areas

Take the next step in your career with TWK Agri, a trusted leader in agriculture and beyond.

*The company can expire job adverts at any time at their own discretion.

**TWK Agri supports the principles of Employment Equity and reserves the right to prioritise candidates in line with our Employment Equity targets.