Luanshya, Copperbelt Province – Zambia: This is a senior executive role with broad operational and commercial responsibility. The Commercial Manager will take full ownership of the Company & feed mill operations, procurement strategy, sales and distribution function, and will spearhead the development of a new fertilizer plant and organic products division.
Due to the remote location of the farm, this position would be best suited to a candidate without young children or with children who are already grown.
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.
SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED:
- 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.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
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.
- Conduct regular sales meetings and produce timely management reports for the Directors.
- Identify and develop new revenue streams and market opportunities.
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.
- Help monitor crop performance, yield data, and input costs to ensure farming operations consistently achieve profitability and efficiency targets. 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.
ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted
