Commercial Manager: Operations

• Hire Resolve is seeking a strategic, commercially minded Commercial Manager: Operations to join a leading FMCG/Manufacturing enterprise based in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal. Reporting to executive leadership, this key operational finance role is responsible for driving product standard costing, margin analysis, operational variance tracking, SAP systems optimization, and leading regional management accounting teams.

Key Performance Areas:

• Product Costing & Standard Cost Control: Partner closely with mill-based management accountants, procurement, and technical teams to ensure standard costs across all feed products are accurately maintained. Take full ownership of quarterly standard costing updates and product routings.
• Margin & Variance Analysis: Audit product standard costs continuously against actual manufacturing inputs. Analyze monthly variance reports (actual vs. standard), highlight operational inefficiencies, and advise regional sales and mill teams on cost changes to optimize product margins.
• SAP & Systems Optimization: Leverage SAP to perform deep-dive financial modeling, margin analysis, and inventory cost tracking while championing continuous IT/system workflow improvements across operations.
• Commercial Operational Support: Provide financial and commercial advisory to regional operations, assisting cross-functional teams in evaluating operational performance and cost drivers.
• Leadership & Team Management: Lead, coach, and develop multi-disciplinary operational accounting teams. Oversee performance appraisals, drive Employment Equity (EE) objectives, and foster a culture of strict corporate governance and compliance.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education & Credentials: CA(SA) or CIMA qualification is strongly preferred. Candidates holding a BCom in Financial/Management Accounting with exceptionally strong, hands-on commercial costing experience will also be considered.
• Experience: Minimum of 4 to 5 years of solid management accounting and commercial costing experience, ideally within a manufacturing, agricultural, FMCG, or processing environment.
• Technical & System Mastery: Proven experience working with SAP and margin analysis models is essential. Advanced system literacy and a strong technical affinity for finance/IT systems alignment.
• Leadership Skills: Proven track record in people management, driving team development, and collaborating across multidisciplinary departments.
• Attributes: High analytical acumen, strong commercial problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and the resilience to drive operational change under tight reporting deadlines.