About this role
Commercial Manager 📍 Stellenbosch, Western Cape | Hybrid An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Commercial Manager to join a global leader in the fresh produce and agriculture industry. This role is ideal for a commercially minded professional with strong relationship management skills and a passion for the international fruit sector. You will work closely with growers, nurseries, marketers, and distributors to drive licensing initiatives, support commercial growth, and expand proprietary fruit varieties across South Africa and selected SADC markets. Key Responsibilities Manage and administer licensing agreements with growers, nurseries, distributors, and marketers. Build and grow strategic relationships with producers and commercial partners. Coordinate plant material orders, imports, and quarantine processes for new fruit varieties. Monitor budgets, prepare reports, and support territory financial performance. Conduct regular field visits, audits, and nursery inspections while maintaining strong grower relationships. Organise presentations, field days, and represent the business at industry events. Collect market feedback and analyse variety performance and licensee preferences. Collaborate with technical teams and contribute to process improvements and risk reduction. Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture or Business . Minimum 5 years' experience within the international fresh produce industry or FMCG . Proven commercial experience working with growers, producers, packhouses, marketers, distributors, or retailers. Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills. Fluent in English and Afrikaans (written and spoken). Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams). Valid driver's licence. Advantageous Experience working with protected fruit varieties. Knowledge of royalty models within the fruit industry. Exposure to grapes, citrus, and subtropical fruit production, packing, quality, or marketing. Established relationships within the fresh produce industry. What's on Offer Hybrid working environment based in Stellenbosch . Opportunity to work with an internationally recognised leader in agriculture and innovation. Extensive exposure to the fresh produce industry across South Africa and SADC. A dynamic role combining commercial strategy, field engagement, and stakeholder management. Domestic travel (approximately 100–120 days annually) with occasional international travel.