Market Development Manager South Africa

Agricruitment Limited; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural recruitment firm is seeking a highly experienced professional in the South African avocado industry. The successful candidate will drive market development, expand customer relationships, and manage quality within the supply chain. Ideal candidates will have proven expertise in avocado procurement and strong relationship management skills, particularly among growers. This role is critical in ensuring both product quality and profitability in a competitive market.

Qualifications

• Proven experience and in-depth knowledge of the South African avocado industry.
• Adequate technical and post-harvest knowledge and understanding of export standards.
• Solid commercial, negotiation, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new market opportunities locally and internationally.
• Establish and grow new customer relationships and commercial programs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with growers and suppliers.

Skills

Market development

Customer relationship management

Negotiation skills

Decision-making skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

BCom (Commerce / Business Management / Marketing / Economics)

BSc Agriculture / BSc Agric (Agricultural Economics, Horticulture, or Plant Production)

Job description

Overview

My Client is seeking a highly experienced and driven professional with strong expertise in the South African avocado industry to join their team. The successful candidate will play a key role in growing their avocado business through market development, customer expansion, strong grower relationships, and effective quality management.

Responsibilities

• Market Development: Identify and develop new market opportunities locally and internationally
• New Customers & Programs: Establish and grow new customer relationships and commercial programs
• Procurement & Grower Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with growers and suppliers, ensuring consistent supply, quality, and compliance
• Quality Management: Oversee quality standards across the supply chain, from procurement to customer delivery, ensuring product meets market and customer specifications
• Customer Service: Manage and service existing customers to ensure long-term partnerships
• Key Account Management: Oversee key accounts, ensuring commercial success, customer satisfaction, and quality performance
• Profit & Loss Management: Take responsibility for P&L performance within the assigned channel, driving profitability and sustainable growth

Qualifications

• Proven experience and in-depth knowledge of the South African avocado industry
• Adequate avocado technical and post-harvest knowledge and understanding of export standards and customer specifications, to support quality management.
• Solid commercial, negotiation, and decision-making skills
• Established network within the avocado supply chain (growers, packers, exporters, buyers)
• Experience in market development, procurement, and key account management
• Ability to manage budgets, margins, and profitability
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
• Relevant tertiary commercial qualification:-
• BCom (Commerce / Business Management / Marketing / Economics) or
• BSc Agriculture / BSc Agric (Agricultural Economics, Horticulture, or Plant Production)

Email CV in WORD format: [e-mail]