Divisional Managing Director - Meat

SUMMARY:

An international commercial agricultural business is seeking a Divisional Managing Director to provide strategic leadership, with a primary focus on the international and local marketing and sales of ostrich and game processed meat products. While providing strategic oversight of the abattoirs and operational teams, the emphasis of the role is on expanding the company’s footprint locally and abroad, developing markets, and securing long-term partnerships.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum requirements for the role: Must have a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, Commerce, Agriculture, or a related field (e.g., B. Sc., B. Eng., B. Comm., B. Agric., or B. Sc. Food Science), an MBA will be an advantage Minimum 10+ years' senior leadership or general management experience in food products, agriculture, FMCG, or manufacturing Proven track record in international sales and marketing of high-end consumer products, ideally including meat or related protein products Demonstrated experience with full P&L responsibility, budgeting, forecasting, pricing, cost control, CAPEX oversight, and managing global client portfolios Strong commercial acumen, numerical\/analytical skills, and the ability to represent the company credibly at the highest international levels, with hands-on orientation and high emotional intelligence The successful candidate will be responsible for: Providing strategic leadership for the Meat Division, focusing primarily on the international and local marketing and sales of ostrich and game processed meat products while ensuring overall profitability. Acting as account manager for international key accounts, building and maintaining relationships with retailers and import agents locally and abroad. Leading the Meat Division's marketing and sales function by setting strategy, securing contracts, and coordinating all account managers while remaining directly involved in critical sales delivery. Driving market development strategy to expand the use of ostrich and game meat, value-added meat products, pet products, carcass meal, and oil in global niche markets. Representing the business at the highest level with customers, industry bodies, and key stakeholders. Working closely with the executive team to co-develop and execute the Meat Division's long-term strategy, translating market insights and financial data into actionable growth plans. Monitoring market trends, cycles, competitor activities, and consumer drivers to position products effectively and support sustainable profitability. Providing strategic and logical oversight of processing plants, CAPEX projects, and process optimization, drawing on the expertise of the technical team without direct technical management. Ensuring operational standards in quality, safety, inventory management, compliance, and client requirements across manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. Overseeing governance, management controls, and service-level delivery to maintain high standards and support market growth. Holding full P&L responsibility for the Meat Division, including budgeting, forecasting, pricing, cost control, investment evaluation, and sound commercial decision-making. Negotiating global contracts and partnerships to secure long-term growth, profitability, and strategic alliances. Leading, inspiring, coordinating, and developing the Meat sales\/account management and technical teams, aligning efforts and building a cohesive leadership team from boardroom to shop floor. Quickly gaining in-depth knowledge of ostrich meat, value-added products, and processing processes, ensuring ongoing compliance with client standards and product quality. Championing sustainability commitments, including ethical sourcing, traceability, and environmental stewardship, while balancing profitability with responsibility, quality, and community engagement. Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into only with the shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive any feedback from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.