The incumbent will lead TWK Agri's timber marketing and procurement function, securing sustainable timber supply and developing profitable customer markets. Responsibilities include managing grower and supplier relationships, negotiating timber procurement and sales agreements, coordinating supply with customer requirements, and achieving agreed volume, margin and service targets.
Responsibilities and Duties
Develop and implement timber procurement and sales strategies to achieve agreed supply volumes, sales targets and commercial margins
Secure sustainable timber supply through the development and maintenance of strong relationships with growers, suppliers and industry stakeholders
Negotiate timber procurement and customer sales agreements, including pricing, volumes, quality specifications and delivery terms
Monitor timber market trends, industry developments and competitive market activities
Identify new procurement opportunities, supplier partnerships and business growth opportunities
Manage timber procurement programmes to ensure supply requirements are achieved efficiently and cost-effectively
Collaborate with logistics and operational teams to optimise timber sourcing, planning and delivery processes
Match timber species, grades and quality specifications to customer requirements, and coordinate timber allocation and deliveries with the relevant operational teams
Monitor timber supply performance and resolve operational or supply challenges proactively
Assist in developing timber resource management plans that support sustainability and business objectives
Prepare procurement, supply and market reports for management and strategic decision-making
Monitor procurement costs, transport and handling costs, selling prices and commercial margins against approved budgets and targets
Ensure compliance with company policies, relevant industry requirements and applicable timber certification, source verification and traceability requirements
Represent TWK Agri at industry events, networking forums and stakeholder engagements
Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives within the timber procurement and marketing environment
Contribute to strategic planning and business development initiatives within the Timber Division
Lead, develop and manage the performance of the timber marketing team
Qualifications and Skills
Matric / Grade 12
Relevant Degree or Diploma in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Business Management, Supply Chain Management or related field
Postgraduate qualification (advantageous)
Minimum 5-8 years' experience within the forestry, timber, pulp and paper, sawmilling, timber procurement or related industries
Minimum 5 years' managerial or leadership experience
Strong understanding of timber supply chains, procurement practices and timber market dynamics
Experience negotiating commercial agreements, procurement contracts and supplier arrangements
Sound understanding of sustainable forestry and timber resource management principles
Experience working with growers, timber suppliers, contractors and industry stakeholders
Strong commercial, analytical and financial management skills
Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management abilities
Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills
Ability to interpret market information and convert insights into practical business strategies
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
Willingness to travel extensively within operational areas