Who are we?

SOLEVO is a leading distributor of chemicals and inputs for specific industrial and agricultural segments in Africa. SOLEVO assists African farmers and Industries succeed by providing them with a full range of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products and industrial chemicals they need with a guaranteed quality and good value. With over 75 years at the frontier of economic growth and transformation across Africa, we deliver critical raw materials and expertise to the continent’s high GDP-contributing life sciences and industrials sectors. Rolfes Chemicals is part of Solevo group Company.

What do we expect from the candidate?

The Managing Director will take full ownership of the business and therefore control and direct business operation. The Director will be responsible for the overall performance of the Chemical (Non-Agri) businesses.

The key responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Governance:

• Develop, articulate, and execute the organization’s long‑term strategy in alignment with the group strategy and objectives.

• Provide clear leadership and direction to the segment leaders and sales teams.

• Ensure sound corporate governance, risk management, and compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.

• Act as the primary link between segment managers and the local and group Executive Committee, providing accurate and timely reporting.

Financial Performance & Value Creation:

• Take full accountability for the organization’s financial performance, including revenue growth, profitability, cash flow, and return on investment.

• Approve and oversee budgets, forecasts, and capital allocation decisions in line with the Country MD and Business Line Director.

• Drive EBITDA, margin improvement, and working capital optimisation initiatives.

• Evaluate and approve major investments, acquisitions, partnerships, and strategic projects in line with the Country MD and Business Line Director.

Commercial & Market Leadership:

• Lead the development and execution of commercial and market expansion strategies.

• Drive sustainable growth through customer‑centric, competitive, and data‑driven approaches.

• Oversee pricing strategies, key account relationships, and contract negotiations.

• Identify and mitigate market, competitive, and supply‑chain risks while capitalizing on emerging opportunities.

Operations & Organizational Effectiveness:

• Ensure operational excellence across all business units, functions, and regions.

• Align operating models, processes, and systems to support strategic objectives.

• Champion continuous improvement, efficiency, and scalability across the organization.

• Oversee demand planning, supply chain effectiveness, and service delivery performance.

Leadership, Talent & Culture:

• Build, lead, and inspire a high‑performing executive and management team.

• Drive talent development, succession planning, and leadership capability across the organization.

• Foster a strong performance‑driven, ethical, and values‑based organizational culture.

• Ensure alignment of performance metrics, incentives, and KPIs with strategic goals.

Stakeholder & External Relations:

• Represent the organization with key stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, suppliers, regulators, and industry bodies.

• Manage strategic partnerships and international principal relationships where applicable.

• Lead transformation and empowerment initiatives, including BBBEE strategy and compliance.

• Enhance the organization’s reputation, brand, and market credibility.

If you possess…

Must-Have:

• Grade 12/Matric.

• Degree in Chemistry, Business, Commerce, or any related field.

• MBA is advantageous.

• Minimum 10–15 years’ senior leadership experience, including executive or general management roles.

• Proven track record of leading complex organisations and delivering sustained financial performance.

• Strong background in B2B environments; experience in chemicals, distribution, manufacturing, or FMCG/Food sectors is advantageous.

• Demonstrated experience working with Boards, shareholders, and governance structures.

Skills and competencies:

• Executive leadership and strategic vision.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen.

• Governance, risk, and decision-making capability.

• Advanced negotiation and influencing skills.

• Stakeholder and board engagement.

• Change leadership and organizational development.

• Executive office-based role with regional and international travel as required.

• High level accountability with flexibility to support strategic and operational demands.

Why join Rolfes chemicals Solevo?

• Join a young dynamic team who is leading the chemical distribution on the African continent.

• Enjoy a collaborative, international and agile work environment.

• Be part of a team where freedom, initiative and ‘thinking out of the box’ is key.

• Opportunity to work in a growing versatile environment.

• Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits package.

• Explore opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Then, this job is for you!

How to join us?

If you’re excited about this position, we encourage you to submit your resume detailing your relevant experience and be part of our exciting journey.

What's next ?

If your profile matches our search, you will be contacted by our HR team for a first contact.

Please be informed that we will keep your profile to contact you for future professional opportunities.