Description:
SA Canegrowers have two Commercial Manager: Agri-Economics vacancies. One position is based in Eston in KwaZulu Natal, the other is based in Komatipoort (Komati) in Mpumalanga.
Both positions report to the Grower Affairs Manager of SA Canegrowers.
The positions are suited to candidates who have solid experience in a financial or agricultural economic field, with strong numerical acumen, and a forward-thinking mindset. We are looking for individuals who are eager to look for alternative solutions and want to actively contribute to building our Cane Growers business.
These positions interact with various stakeholders to SA Canegrowers and the Commercial Growers and will have varied projects to manage and initiate. We require candidates to have experience in managing projects and contracts, from inception to completion, and some background in negotiations. It would be advantageous to have knowledge of and a passion and interest in agriculture such as sugar and or tree farming. Sound financial and numerical skills and economic skills are non-negotiable.
We are looking for candidates who have worked independently within established frameworks and who are self-driven. Candidates will need to be resilient, strong on teamwork, with a positive, can-do attitude.
PLEASE NOTE: The individual would need to reside in the area they have applied for.
As a Commercial Manager, you will:
- Drive and contribute to the Areas' Growers strategic issues, including Local Grower Councils, Mill Group Boards, and other committees
- Run with a range of matters and challenges experienced by Cane Growers from attending government workshops, to how to generate a larger income stream for our Grower's business's
- Provide input and assist Grower leadership with pre-and-post preparation for strategic meetings
- Project manage a diverse range of projects all in line with the local area's strategic needs
- Provide industrial, economic, and institutional updates at Local Grower meetings
- Provide a service to individual Growers which includes bank feasibility reports, budgets, compensation reports, crop valuations, contractor rates, lease agreements and rates
- Participate in municipal activities such as the integrated development plans for the municipality
- Oversee all development projects in the area such as Government or Company funded projects
- Advise on viability of crop diversification and other farm/ business matters and link in closely with other commodity organisations to assist Growers where possible
- Manage the Agriculture Business Advisor and other staff where necessary ensuring excellent administration such as scheduling and preparing agendas, and timely distribution of minutes
What you will need:
- BCom or Business /Financial/Agricultural Economics Degree is essential
- Core Mathematics at Grade 12 level is essential
- A minimum of three to five years working in a competitive business focused environment or business field
- Experience in the field of agriculture such as sugar or tree farming would be beneficial
- Some experience in energy generation and energy solutions would be advantageous
- Must be a self-driven, problem solver with the ability to oversee various projects simultaneously
- Excellent interpersonal skills with an outgoing demeanor and an easy ability to establish new relationships and connections
- Ethically minded and value driven, service orientated, innovative, resilient person who works effectively in a team environment as well as working independently to set own direction
- A valid driver's license
- Excellent numerical competence and skilled in Excel and Word and general technical competence
- Fluency in both English and Afrikaans are required for the Commercial Manager Komati position
Who We Are:
The South African Cane Growers' Association is a registered non-profit company which protects the interests of its members by lobbying for an appropriate legislative environment, negotiating the best price, undertaking research and analysis, and providing Growers with critical information empowering them to make sound decisions at farm, mill and industry level.
NOTE:
It is important that you indicate the position you are applying for in the subject heading of your email or in the cover letter.
Applications will be considered as soon as they are received, and interviews arranged for shortlisted candidates thereafter.
In terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 ("POPIA"), the applicant freely and voluntarily consents to SA Canegrowers collecting, processing, and storing his/ her personal and special personal information for the purposes of his/ her application for this position.
If you have not been contacted by 31 May 2025, please understand that your application has been unsuccessful.
Requirements:
- Drive and contribute to the Areas' Growers strategic issues, including Local Grower Councils, Mill Group Boards, and other committees
- Run with a range of matters and challenges experienced by Cane Growers from attending government workshops, to how to generate a larger income stream for our Grower's business's
- Provide input and assist Grower leadership with pre-and-post preparation for strategic meetings
- Project manage a diverse range of projects all in line with the local area's strategic needs
- Provide industrial, economic, and institutional updates at Local Grower meetings
- Provide a service to individual Growers which includes bank feasibility reports, budgets, compensation reports, crop valuations, contractor rates, lease agreements and rates
- Participate in municipal activities such as the integrated development plans for the municipality
- Oversee all development projects in the area such as Government or Company funded projects
- Advise on viability of crop diversification and other farm/ business matters and link in closely with other commodity organisations to assist Growers where possible
- Manage the Agriculture Business Advisor and other staff where necessary ensuring excellent administration such as scheduling and preparing agendas, and timely distribution of minutes
- BCom or Business /Financial/Agricultural Economics Degree is essential
- Core Mathematics at Grade 12 level is essential
- A minimum of three to five years working in a competitive business focused environment or business field
- Experience in the field of agriculture such as sugar or tree farming would be beneficial
- Some experience in energy generation and energy solutions would be advantageous
- Must be a self-driven, problem solver with the ability to oversee various projects simultaneously
- Excellent interpersonal skills with an outgoing demeanor and an easy ability to establish new relationships and connections
- Ethically minded and value driven, service orientated, innovative, resilient person who works effectively in a team environment as well as working independently to set own direction
- A valid driver's license
- Excellent numerical competence and skilled in Excel and Word and general technical competence
- Fluency in both English and Afrikaans are required for the Commercial Manager Komati position