Senior Business Assistant

University of Fort Hare; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Aid (50/50)

Pension Plan (Company contributes 7%)

International exposure and career grow

Job summary

University of Fort Hare invites applications for a Senior Business Assistant in its Steel Department based in Johannesburg. The role focuses on supporting trading and investment activities across Sub-Saharan Africa, with duties spanning contracts, risk, and financial planning.

The successful candidate will manage meetings with clients and partners, assist with feasibility studies, and guide junior staff while ensuring compliance and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of trade transactions, credit management and taxes.
• Finance and accounting background with ability to analyse financial reports (BS/PL).
• Understanding of investment, valuation and project feasibility studies.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.
• Knowledge of steel industry and market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand trading operations with contracts, terms, steel products, and market practices.
• Arrange and attend meetings with customers, suppliers and stakeholders, including domestic and international travel.
• Establish and nurture partnerships for long-term collaboration.
• Support senior management in investment opportunities, feasibility studies, and business planning.
• Conduct financial valuations, risk analysis and cash flow planning for new projects.
• Guide junior staff on trading, legal, financial and risk management matters.
• Assist divisional operations including visitor arrangements, payments and reporting.

Job description

R 600000 - R 800000 Annually Cost To Company

A leading international trading and investment organisation is seeking a Senior Business Assistant to join its Steel Department in Johannesburg. This division focuses on trading and investment activities across Sub-Saharan Africa, supporting industries such as energy, automotive, electricity, food, and construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand trading business operations, with strong knowledge of contracts, trading terms, steel products, and market practices.
• Arrange and attend meetings with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders, including domestic and international business trips.
• Establish and nurture relationships with partners, ensuring long-term collaboration and trust.
• Support senior management in promoting investment opportunities, project feasibility studies, and business planning.
• Conduct financial valuations, risk analysis, and cash flow planning for new projects.
• Guide junior staff members, providing advice on trading, legal, financial, and risk management matters.
• Assist with divisional operations including visitor arrangements, payments, and reporting.

Person Specification

• Strong knowledge of trade transactions, credit management, corporate tax, logistics, and legal affairs.
• Primary finance and accounting knowledge, with ability to analyse financial reports (B/S and P/L).
• Adequate knowledge of investment and valuation, including project feasibility studies.
• Excellent communication skills in English (verbal, written, and listening).
• Solid understanding of the steel industry and market dynamics.
• Ability to meet deadlines while remaining flexible to unforeseen challenges.
• Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to travel and engage in client entertainment when required.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with performance recognition.
• Medical Aid (50/50 contribution).
• Pension Plan (Company contributes 7% of base salary).
• Opportunities for international exposure and career growth.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted