COMMERCIAL MANAGER

MINIMUM 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

• Exceptional leadership and people management capabilities — able to inspire, develop, and hold a large team accountable
• A strong commercial instinct, with the ability to identify and execute on business opportunities
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills at a senior level
• High computer literacy — proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and reporting tools is essential; SAGE experience advantageous
• Meticulous attention to detail with strong organisational and planning skills
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet demanding deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A hands-on, proactive approach — willing to lead from the front
• Highest standards of personal integrity and professionalism

• 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

• 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

• 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
• Conduct regular sales meetings and produce timely management reports for the Directors
• Identify and develop new revenue streams and market opportunities

• 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
• Help monitor crop performance, yield data, and input costs to ensure farming operations consistently achieve profitability and efficiency targets.

• 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