Trade & Planning Manager – Commercial Manager

About the role

The client, a leading player in the agricultural sector, is seeking a strategic and commercially‑driven Commercial Manager – Retail to lead and optimise its retail commercial function across South Africa. Reporting to the General Manager, you will shape the retail strategy, drive revenue growth and ensure seamless execution across sales, marketing, operations and finance.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated retail and commercial strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead category management, pricing, promotions and seasonal planning to maximise margin.
• Manage the retail P&L, including forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis and cost optimisation.
• Optimise depot inventory levels and oversee order‑bank processes for accurate fulfilment.
• Analyse market trends, customer behaviour and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities.
• Drive product portfolio optimisation and lead R&D initiatives focused on commercial value.
• Develop dashboards, reporting tools and KPI frameworks for data‑driven decision making.
• Build strong relationships with key customers, suppliers and industry stakeholders.
• Coach and develop high‑performing sales and commercial teams and ensure cross‑functional alignment.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Business, Finance, Economics or related field (MBA advantageous).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial, retail or category management, preferably within agriculture or related sectors.
• Proven track record of driving sales performance, margin optimisation and strategic planning.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgeting and forecasting.

Required skills