Pietermaritzburg: Business Manager posted by Rivers Labour Consultants

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic player in the forestry sector, is seeking a results-driven and hands-on Business Manager to support the business owner in overseeing and managing the administrative and operational functions across multiple units. The ideal candidate will bring both business acumen and a strong understanding of operations, ensuring efficient day-to-day management and long-term strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight: Manage daily administration and operations across forestry and agricultural units to ensure smooth and efficient functioning.
• Financial Monitoring: Track, analyse, and allocate costs to farming/forestry activities, with a strong focus on cost accounting and input-output analysis.
• Reporting: Prepare accurate and timely operational and financial reports (daily, weekly, monthly) tailored to the agricultural and forestry environment.
• Budget & Forecasting: Assist in budget preparation, forecasting yields, analysing variances, and ensuring cost-effectiveness of agricultural inputs and forestry operations.
• Policy Development: Create and implement operational policies to improve efficiency while ensuring compliance with industry regulations, labour laws, and environmental standards.
• Human Resource Support: Oversee staff management, resource planning, and employee administration across farming/forestry operations.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Work closely with farm/forestry managers, contractors, suppliers, and other business units to optimise workflow.
• Strategic Support: Provide insights and recommendations to the owner to inform long-term planning, sustainability initiatives, and operational improvements.
• Leadership: Lead, motivate, and develop teams to improve productivity and performance in both office and field-based roles.
• Efficiency & Productivity: Identify and implement strategies to improve profitability, resource use, and operational efficiency.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and forestry/agriculture-specific regulations.
• Supplier & Accounts Management: Oversee supplier relationships, ensure accurate production of purchase orders, and manage vendor payments within agreed limits.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Gather, track, and analyse operational and financial data, such as yield reports, input costs, and workforce productivity, to support decision-making.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in forestry, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a management or administration role, preferably in forestry, agriculture, or primary production industries.
• Financial Skills: Proven background in financial management, cost accounting, and generating actionable business insights.
• Organisational Skills: Strong administrative and organisational ability, with capacity to oversee multiple sites/units.
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership with the ability to coordinate diverse teams in both operational and administrative environments.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in MS Excel and reporting tools.
• Industry Knowledge: Practical experience with forestry or agricultural processes, seasonal cycles, resource management, and production planning is highly valued.
• Personal Attributes: Proactive, detail-oriented, and resourceful, with strong integrity and initiative to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

No specific qualifications mentioned.

Salary & Benefits

A competitive salary package will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications.