Now Hiring: Commercial Manager – GBL Horticulture | Ongole Group

Location: Nairobi (with occasional visits to farms)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent (Available Immediately)

About GBL Horticulture

GBL Horticulture operates across multiple farms forming producing premium herbs, vegetables, and fruits. We are committed to premium positioning and eco-waste operations, serving both local and export markets with high-quality, traceable products. GBL Horticulture is part of the Ongole Group.

Role Overview

We are seeking a results-driven Commercial Manager to lead sales strategy and market development for premium herbs, vegetables, and other added-value products across local and export markets. The ideal candidate brings seven to ten years of experience in premium fresh produce, organic products, or high-end FMCG sales, including at least five years leading export sales and managing multiple sales channels (retail, HORECA, B2B, and DTC). Backed by strong strategy, thinking, financial acumen, and a genuine commitment to premium brand positioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Channel Development: Build and scale sales channels across Premium Retail, HORECA, Export Markets, and E-Commerce to drive sustainable revenue growth.

• Revenue & Margin Accountability: Deliver revenue targets while safeguarding premium brand positioning and margin discipline.

• Product Strategy: Develop and execute go-to-market strategies for fresh produce and value-added product lines.

• Buyer Relationships: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with retail buyers, chefs, export partners, and corporate clients.

• Team Leadership: Recruit, coach, and lead a high-performing sales team to execute commercial strategy.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with the Farm Manager, Pack-House Manager, and Finance team to align commercial goals with operational capacity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sales & Marketing, Agribusiness, or a related field; a Master's degree is an added advantage.

• A minimum of seven to ten years' experience in premium fresh produce, organic products, or high-end FMCG sales with at least five years' experience in export markets.

• At least five years' experience managing multiple sales channels, including retail, HORECA, B2B, and DTC.

Personal Attributes:

• A demonstrated track record of success with value-added products

• Strong strategic thinking and market analysis capabilities

• Solid financial acumen with a keen focus on margin discipline

• Proven expertise in premium positioning and pricing strategy.

• Excellent relationship management and team leadership skills

• A margin-focused mindset that prioritizes profitability over volume

• Genuine commitment to premium brand positioning.

• A collaborative, cross-functional approach to problem-solving

• Adaptability and a strong problem-solving orientation

• Fluency in English; proficiency in Swahili is an added advantage

• Channel Development: Build and scale sales channels across Premium Retail, HORECA, Export Markets, and E-Commerce to drive sustainable revenue growth.
• Revenue & Margin Accountability: Deliver revenue targets while safeguarding premium brand positioning and margin discipline.
• Product Strategy: Develop and execute go-to-market strategies for fresh produce and value-added product lines.
• Buyer Relationships: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with retail buyers, chefs, export partners, and corporate clients.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, coach, and lead a high-performing sales team to execute commercial strategy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with the Farm Manager, Pack-House Manager, and Finance team to align commercial goals with operational capacity.

• Strong strategic thinking and market analysis capabilities
• Solid financial acumen with a keen focus on margin discipline
• Proven expertise in premium positioning and pricing strategy.
• Excellent relationship management and team leadership skills
• A margin-focused mindset that prioritizes profitability over volume
• Genuine commitment to premium brand positioning.
• A collaborative, cross-functional approach to problem-solving
• Adaptability and a strong problem-solving orientation
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Swahili is an added advantage

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sales & Marketing, Agribusiness, or a related field; a Master's degree is an added advantage.
• A minimum of seven to ten years' experience in premium fresh produce, organic products, or high-end FMCG sales with at least five years' experience in export markets.
• At least five years' experience managing multiple sales channels, including retail, HORECA, B2B, and DTC.