Vesuvius Commercial Manager

Vesuvius is a global leader in molten metal flow engineering and technology, providing high-technology products, systems, and solutions to customers operating in challenging high-temperature environments. In Southern Africa, its Steel business brings together the Flow Control and Advanced Refractories portfolios, serving Steel-making and a range of Industrial Process markets including Ferrochrome, Platinum, Aluminium, Copper and Mineral Sands.

Vesuvius South Africa has completed a significant transition from local manufacturing to a focused import, distribution, and customer-solutions model. Supported by the Group's international manufacturing, technology, and supply network, the new structure creates a leaner, more efficient and commercially sustainable platform. It retains established customer relationships and site-based service capability, while giving local clients access to a broader range of internationally proven products and solutions.

With clear Group and Board commitment to its South African presence, the business is now focused on deepening its core Steel relationships, building market share in priority industrial sectors, and developing selected opportunities across sub-Saharan Africa.

Reporting to an EMEA Commercial Director, the Commercial Manager will lead the Advanced Refractories and Flow Control portfolios across South Africa and selected sub-Saharan African markets. As senior customer-facing commercial lead for the local Steel and Industrial Processes business, the incumbent will have accountability for strategy, strengthening customer relationships, profitable growth, and implementation of the future-state trading model.

The role combines established relationship stewardship with hands-on business development. It includes oversight of customer site operations, leadership of the sales-agent network, and close coordination with regional technical, supply-chain, and commercial teams.

• Shape and execute the commercial and customer strategy for South Africa and selected sub-Saharan African markets, aligned with EMEA priorities.
• Protect and grow profitable existing business; deepen relationships with senior operational, technical, procurement and executive stakeholders; and lead tenders and negotiations.
• Build a qualified opportunity pipeline across steel, ferrochrome, platinum, aluminium, cement, copper and related high-temperature process industries.
• Position, trial, qualify and commercialise internationally proven products and solutions, clearly demonstrating their technical and economic value to customers.
• Own sales budgets, forecasting, pricing, margins, contracts and performance reporting, and drive disciplined cash-collection governance in partnership with finance and key customer stakeholders.
• Coordinate demand and supply-chain planning in an import-to-order model to protect service continuity, lead-time reliability and customer confidence.
• Lead and develop the Customer Site Operations and sales-agent network, ensuring strong commercial oversight while enabling effective day-to-day delivery.

• At least 10 years' commercial or sales experience in heavy industry or smelting environments, with a record of developing customers and delivering profitable growth.
• Established credibility in steel or ferrochrome is highly advantageous; relevant exposure may also come from aluminium, platinum, cement, copper or related process industries.
• A sound understanding of smelting or industrial processes and the ability to identify technical and commercial opportunities. Refractories experience is advantageous, but not essential.
• A technical qualification in engineering, metallurgy or related discipline. Commerce or business qualifications, and candidates qualified through substantial relevant experience, will also be considered.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including pipeline management, pricing, margin management, forecasting and contract negotiation.
• A resilient, self-directed relationship builder and business developer who can operate strategically while remaining close to customers and execution.

The position is based in Alrode, Gauteng, and requires approximately 60-70% regional travel, predominantly within South Africa. Candidates must be legally authorised to work in South Africa. A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate.