Southern Oil (SOILL) is a leading South African food manufacturing company based in Swellendam in the Western Cape. Established in 1995, SOILL is a key player in the agricultural value chain and the largest canola crusher in Africa. The organisation has played a pioneering role in developing the country’s canola industry, supporting local farmers, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
SOILL operates across the full oilseed value chain, including seed crushing, oil refining, production of animal feed, product packaging, and distribution to both retail and bulk markets. Its portfolio includes well-known consumer brands such as B-well, Canega, Nuts About Cooking, and African Gold, supplying customers across South Africa and beyond. Committed to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, SOILL continues to drive growth and deliver high-quality products to the market.
SOILL is seeking a full-time, strategic and dynamic Managing Director to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth, sustainability, and market leadership. Reporting to the Chairman of the Board, the successful candidate will be accountable for the overall performance, strategic direction, and long-term success of the organisation.
The role requires an experienced executive to provide strong leadership across strategy development and execution, operational excellence, financial performance, and commercial growth. The incumbent will oversee the full value chain, drive transformation initiatives including digitalisation and efficiency improvements, and ensure alignment with Board and shareholder expectations.
The Managing Director will also lead stakeholder engagement across customers, suppliers, regulators, and industry bodies, while fostering a high-performance culture, ensuring sound governance, and driving sustainable business practices.
- A relevant bachelor’s degree (technical or commercial); a postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
- 10-15 years’ experience in leadership roles with multi-functional executive oversight.
- Executive leadership experience within manufacturing, FMCG, supply chain, or industrial sectors.
- Demonstrated success in strategy development and execution, financial leadership, operational transformation, and business growth.
- Strong commercial acumen, leadership capability, and stakeholder management skills.
The role requires strong strategic and commercial leadership, with the ability to analyze complex business challenges, make sound decisions, and drive organisational performance. The candidate should demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking, resilience, and the ability to lead transformation across a complex and integrated value chain. A strong focus on operational excellence, financial discipline, and sustainable value creation is essential.
The role calls for excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to influence at Board level and represent the organisation effectively in external forums. High levels of integrity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build, develop, and lead high-performance teams are critical. Strong governance capability is also required, including a commitment to ethical leadership, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates; however, preference will be given to South African citizens. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and employment equity.
Suitable candidates are invited to e-mail a detailed CV to info@signium.co.za by close of business on 17 June2026. Enquiries may be directed to Annelize van Rensburg on 011 771 4800.
Regrettably late applications cannot be considered.
