South Africa: COMMERCIAL MANAGER posted by Farm Manager SA

About the Role

Farm Manager SA is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead our operations in South Africa. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agribusiness, commerce, or agriculture, with at least 7-10 years of experience in senior commercial or operational management roles. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing large teams, developing business cases, and driving cost efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities

### Feed Mill Operations

• Full management of the poultry feed mill, including production scheduling, quality control, and cost management

• Develop, manage, and continuously refine feed rations to optimise poultry health and performance

• Oversee all maintenance and upkeep of feed mill equipment in conjunction with the Workshop Manager

• Monitor and manage daily, weekly, and monthly production output and reporting

### Procurement & Supply Chain

• Manage the procurement of all feed mill inputs — macro packs, vitamins, minerals, and all raw feed ingredients

• Lead annual maize procurement campaigns — sourcing, contracting, storage planning, and logistics

• Negotiate, establish, and manage annual supply contracts with key raw material suppliers

• Ensure optimal stock levels of all inputs while minimising holding costs and supply risk

• Develop and maintain a reliable, competitive supplier base across all procurement categories

### Sales, Market Strategy & Distribution

• Oversee the full sales and distribution function for the company’s table egg range across Zambia and the region

• Work directly with and provide leadership to a sales and distribution team of 130+ employees

• Set and drive the market strategy — formal retail, informal trade, I&I, exports, and new channel development

• Manage route-to-market planning, depot development, and distribution fleet operations

• Monitor and analyse sales performance data, setting and reviewing targets by channel, product, and customer

• Develop and lead trade marketing, brand development, and point-of-sale initiatives

### Commercial Farming Operations

• Help oversee the full commercial farming operation, providing commercial and strategic direction across all arable cropping activities

• Help develop, own, and manage detailed planting budgets for both summer and winter crop seasons — covering soya beans, maize, cover crops, and wheat

• Lead procurement negotiations for all crop inputs — seed, fertilizer, chemicals, fuel, and seasonal contracting — ensuring cost-competitiveness and security of supply

• Lead sales negotiations and contracting for crop output — managing buyer relationships, pricing strategy, and forward contracts for grain and oilseed sales

• Assist in planning and executing farm expansion projects, including new dam construction and centre pivot irrigation installation, working closely with the farming and engineering teams

### Fertilizer Plant & Organic Products Development

• Lead the development of a comprehensive business case for the design and construction of a commercial chicken manure fertilizer manufacturing plant

• Drive the project from concept through to construction, commissioning, and commercial launch

• Develop the product range and go-to-market strategy for processed organic chicken manure products

• Establish sales channels and route-to-market for the organic fertilizer range — commercial farmers, smallholders, retail

• Develop and grow a sustainable commercial market for the organic fertilizer product line, establishing the company as a recognised brand in the agricultural inputs sector

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Commerce, Agriculture, Business Administration, or a related field; a postgraduate qualification will be a distinct advantage

• A minimum of 7–10 years’ experience in a senior commercial or operational management role, ideally within the FMCG, agri-business, or food production sector

• Demonstrable experience managing large teams (100+ employees) across multi-functional departments

• Proven track record in procurement, contract negotiation, and supply chain management

• Experience in feed mill management or poultry / livestock production will be a significant advantage

• Experience developing business cases and leading capital projects from inception to completion

• Strong financial acumen — ability to manage budgets, interpret financial reports, and drive cost efficiencies