Managing Director

Position : Managing Director

Work Hours (Client) : South Africa Business Hours (varies based on skill set and experience level)

Location of Search : South Africa

Work Location : ONSITE

Type of Contract : Permanent Employment

Company/Client Overview:

Our client is a long-term investment and operating group that acquires established businesses and supports them through operational improvement, leadership development, and strategic growth. They take a hands-on, values-driven approach to building strong, enduring companies rather than focusing on short-term exits.

The organisation is currently assembling a high-performing leadership team for a large agribusiness undergoing divestment and transformation. This is a unique opportunity to step into a high-impact role and help shape the future direction of a major industry player.

Duties and Responsibilities:

We are seeking a Managing Director with an agricultural background that is responsible for overseeing the company's fiscal health, including financial planning, budgeting, risk management, and ensuring compliance with agricultural subsidies and regulations. Their primary goal is to maximise profitability and secure sustainable financial growth by making strategic investment decisions specific to cyclical farming operations, fluctuating commodity prices, and capital expenditures on land and machinery.

• Strategic Planning and Growth: Develop and implement a long-term strategy for sustainable growth,make key decisions on capital expenditure, land management, and agricultural diversification.
• Financial and Risk Management: Accountability with regards to the company's fiscal health, overseeing budgets and implementing robust strategies to mitigate risks from weather, commodity prices, and supply chain volatility.
• Operational Oversight and Efficiency: Ensure all farming operations, from production to logistics, run with maximum efficiency by utilising agri-tech and optimising the entire agricultural supply chain.
• Governance, Compliance, and Sustainability: Ensure strict adherence to all legal, environmental, and food safety regulations while championing essential sustainability practices for long-term land health.
• Stakeholder and People Leadership: Act as the primary external representative for investors and customers, and internally builds and mentors the senior leadership team to foster a high-performance culture.

Minimum Requirements:

Language requirement: Excellent English Communication Skills

Education: Bachelor's Degree (ideally)

Industry: FMCG or agricultural industry

• 15+  years of experience in an executive leadership role (Managing Director, CEO, General Manager, COO, or equivalent)
• 5 years of experience demonstrating full Profit & Loss ownership for a business unit or organization generating significant annual revenue.
• 5 years of experience within the FMCG or agricultural industry
• Track record of successfully driving business transformation, turnaround initiatives, operational improvement, or post-acquisition integration.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with the ability to make strategic business decisions.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in fast-paced and evolving environments.
• Experience working directly with investors, boards, or senior stakeholders is highly preferred.