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.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a driven and results-oriented Business Development Manager who can identify new growth opportunities, build strong client relationships, and turn insights into actionable strategies. The ideal candidate is commercially minded, confident in engaging stakeholders, and skilled at negotiating and closing deals while collaborating closely with internal teams to achieve sustainable business growth.

What do we expect from the candidate?

We expect the candidate to proactively drive business growth by identifying and pursuing new opportunities, managing the full sales cycle, and building lasting client relationships. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication and negotiation skills, take ownership of targets, and collaborate effectively with internal teams to deliver consistent and measurable results.

The key responsibilities:

Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute the company’s commercial strategy aligned with overall business objectives.

• Drive market expansion, diversification, and long-term growth initiatives.

• Provide strategic directions to sales, marketing, and business development functions.

• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to overall business planning and decision-making.

Technical Commercial Leadership

• Leverage technical expertise to position the company as a solutions provider, not just a distributor

• Engage with customers at a technical level, supporting product application, formulation, and optimization discussions.

• Collaborate with suppliers and technical partners to introduce innovative ingredient solutions.

• Translate market trends (e.g., clean label, cost optimization, functional ingredients) into commercial opportunities.

Sales & Key Account Oversight

• Lead and direct national sales teams to achieve revenue, volume, and profitability targets.

• Maintain executive relationships with key customers and major revenue-generating accounts.

• Oversee high-level negotiations, tenders, and long-term supply agreements.

• Ensure effective pricing strategies aligned with market conditions and cost structures.

Business Development & Market Expansion

• Identify and penetrate new markets, industries, and customer segments.

• Develop strategic partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, and customers.

• Drive new product development initiatives in collaboration with technical and procurement teams.

• Represent the company in industry forums, exhibitions, and strategic engagements.

Financial & Commercial Governance

• Own and manage the commercial budget, including sales targets, margins, and profitability.

• Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.

• Oversee pricing models, cost structures, and revenue optimization strategies.

• Present financial and commercial reports to executive management and board members.

Operations & Supply Chain Integration

• Ensure alignment between commercial activities and supply chain capabilities.

• Work closely with procurement to manage supplier relationships, pricing, and product availability.

• Oversee inventory strategy, including forecasting, stock optimization, and working capital management.

• Support operational efficiency across warehousing, logistics, and distribution.

People Leadership & Organisational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop highly performing commercial and technical teams.

• Drive a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee talent management, succession planning, and leadership development.

• Ensure alignment of team performance with company objectives.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with key stakeholders.

• Deliver strategic presentations to customers, board members, and investors.

• Ensure a strong customer-centric approach across all business functions.

• Act as a brand ambassador for the company within the industry.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to Food Safety, ISO, SHEQ, and regulatory standards.

• Maintain compliance with all legislative and statutory requirements.

• Uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and ethical business practices.

If you possess…

Must-Have:

• Matric (Grade 12).

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related technical field.

• Postgraduate qualification in Business Administration (MBA) or Commercial Management (advantageous).

• Minimum of 8–10 years’ experience in the food ingredients, FMCG, or related manufacturing industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

• Strong technical understanding of food ingredient applications across sectors such as bakery, dairy, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

• Proven track record in leading commercial teams and delivering revenue and margin growth.

• In-depth knowledge of ingredient sourcing, global supply chains, and pricing dynamics.

• Experience in managing key accounts, large contracts, and strategic partnerships.

• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and margin management.

• Advanced negotiation, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Willingness to travel nationally and into Sub-Saharan Africa.

Nice-to-Have:

• Strong blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen.

• Strategic leadership and executive decision-making capability.

• Advanced negotiation and influencing skills.

• Deep understanding of food ingredient markets and applications.

• Financial and analytical proficiency.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to operate effectively in a complex, fast-paced environment.

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

If you are…

• Able to tackle complex problems effectively and adapt to fast-paced development environments.

• A strong leader and have the ability to mentor junior consultants.

• Proven track record of working effectively in remote team settings, demonstrating flexibility, and contributing positively to a collaborative work environment.

• Analytical and a Problem-Solving person: Exceptional ability to analyse complex requirements, identify potential bottlenecks, and devise effective solutions. Strong debugging skills to efficiently resolve issues in the development process.

Why join 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.