Company Overview
We are a rapidly growing polymer distribution and trading business with operations across Southern Africa. We currently distribute polymer raw materials into South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and neighbouring markets and are actively expanding into Mozambique, Tanzania and Angola. Our product portfolio includes polyolefins, PET and other polymer raw materials supplied to packaging, injection moulding, blow moulding, film extrusion and related manufacturing industries.
We are seeking an entrepreneurial commercial leader to drive the next phase of growth across the region.
Position Summary
The Regional Commercial Director will be responsible for developing and executing the company's polymer sales strategy across Southern Africa. The successful candidate will lead business development, customer acquisition, supplier engagement and commercial expansion while building a high-performance sales organization capable of delivering significant growth across multiple markets. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to an individual with strong relationships throughout the polymer value chain and a proven track record of growing sales across Southern Africa.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Leadership
- Develop and execute the regional commercial strategy.
- Drive revenue and margin growth across Southern Africa.
- Identify new market opportunities and expansion initiatives.
- Lead negotiations with key customers and strategic accounts.
- Manage pricing strategy and profitability.
Business Development
Expand market share across:
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- DRC
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Tanzania
- Angola
Supplier Management
- Manage strategic relationships with global polymer producers.
- Develop sourcing opportunities with:
- Middle Eastern producers
- Asian producers
- European suppliers
- Support procurement and trading activities.
Leadership
- Build and manage regional sales teams.
- Mentor and develop commercial talent.
- Establish performance management systems and KPIs.
- Foster a strong commercial culture focused on growth and profitability.
Risk Management
- Manage customer credit exposure.
- Support working capital optimization.
- Oversee commercial risk management.
- Work closely with finance and operations teams.
Required Experience
Mandatory
- Minimum 10 years of polymer industry experience.
- Minimum 5 years in a senior commercial leadership role.
- Proven track record selling all kinds of polymers.
- Experience across multiple Southern African markets.
- Strong existing customer relationships within polymer converting industries.
- Experience managing distributor and direct customer channels.
- Demonstrated success growing revenue and market share.
Preferred
Experience with one or more of:
- Polymer distribution
- Polymer trading
Candidates from relevant polymer distribution, trading, manufacturing and producer organisations will be highly regarded.
Key Success Metrics
Year 1:
- Deliver 20-30% revenue growth.
- Expand customer base across Southern Africa.
- Strengthen supplier relationships.
- Improve gross margin performance.
- Build a scalable commercial structure.
Year 2-3:
- Establish market leadership in targeted countries.
- Develop strategic supplier partnerships.
- Lead expansion into new African markets.
- Build a regional commercial organization.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is:
- Highly entrepreneurial.
- Commercially aggressive.
- Relationship-driven.
- Comfortable operating in emerging markets.
- Experienced in cross-border trading.
- Strong negotiator.
- Able to manage complexity across multiple countries.
- Willing to travel extensively.
***Salary - R40,000 - R70,000 (Excluding Commission + KPI Incentives) (Negotiable, based on skills, experience and in relation to current package)
