Divisional Manager – Johannesburg, South Africa
Reference Number: JH03
Purpose of the Role:
The Divisional Manager is responsible for the full commercial and operational performance of the Chemical and Mineral Products Division. This includes managing existing product lines, identifying and introducing new products, leading the sales team, and ensuring the division consistently meets its revenue and margin targets. The role requires a commercially driven leader capable of managing a team, developing new business, and positioning the division for long-term sustainable growth.
Responsibilities:
Commercial & Revenue Management
Own and deliver the divisional revenue and gross margin budget across all active product lines
Maintain minimum price floors and protect margin discipline across the team
Manage the full sales cycle from market development and customer acquisition through to order, delivery, and payment
Identify and act on opportunities to grow revenue within existing accounts through expanded product and volume
Product Development & Portfolio Management
Continuously evaluate the product portfolio and identify new product lines aligned with the company's strategic interests
Conduct or commission market assessments for new product opportunities — covering demand, competition, pricing, and supply chain feasibility
Maintain an active pipeline of new product opportunities and report progress to the team on a quarterly basis
Ensure existing product lines remain commercially viable and make recommendations for rationalisation where justified
Team Leadership & Performance Management
Lead, manage, and develop all direct reports within the division — including Sales Representatives and Sales Support staff
Set individual performance targets aligned with divisional KPIs and conduct regular structured performance reviews
Identify development and training needs within the team and work with team to address them
Market Intelligence & Strategy
Monitor and analyse market developments across the division's product lines — pricing trends, supply dynamics, competitor activity, and regulatory changes
Translate market intelligence into actionable commercial recommendations for the team and for senior management
Maintain and develop relationships with key industry bodies, and strategic market contacts
Identify structural gaps or new segments in the market and develop strategies to address them
Present monthly market intelligence reports to the General Manager
Operations
Coordinate with the Operations function to ensure reliable order fulfilment, logistics management, and warehousing for local stock
Ensure customer contracts, and pricing terms are properly documented and up to date
Oversee the preparation of regular divisional reporting — activity, pipeline, revenue performance, and market updates
Key Competencies:
Commercial and Strategic
Revenue and margin ownership
New product identification and launch
Market intelligence and analysis
Customer negotiation
Risk and cash flow management
International trade and logistics
Leadership and People
Team leadership and development
Performance management
Clear and structured reporting
Sound decision-making under pressure
Cross-functional collaboration
High standards and accountability
Multicultural working environment
Requirements:
Minimum 10 years’ experience in chemical, mineral, or commodity trading and/or sales — of which at least 3 years in a senior or management role
Tertiary qualification in Commerce, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
Strong knowledge of industrial chemicals and/or minerals required. Experience with Boron products, fertilizers, or commodity trading is a significant advantage
In-depth understanding of the South African market. Sub-Saharan Africa or broader African market experience is strongly preferred
Familiarity with international trade terms (Incoterms), logistics, and price risk management
Must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally without restriction
Proficient in Microsoft 365. Experience with CRM or trading/ERP systems is advantageous
Contractual Information:
Permanent
Willing and able to relocate to Johannesburg, South Africa for the opportunity.
If you wish to apply for the position, please send your CV to Jayde Harty at jharty@caglobalint.com.