Agricultural Economist - VKB Financing, Head Office Reitz
VKB Group
Reitz, Free State
Permanent
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Posted 01 August 2025 - Closing Date 22 December 2025

Job Details

Job Description

Introduction to the VKB Group

The VKB Group is a diversified agricultural company committed to supporting farmers and delivering straight-from-the-farm foods to consumers. Alongside our well-known consumer brands, the Group is represented by strong regional brands including VKB, GWK, and NTK.

Our roots are firmly anchored in agriculture, and over the years we have expanded across the full food value chain — from supplying essential farming inputs to operating in processing, logistics, and both national and global market channels.

This “house of brands,” built together with our farmer shareholders, forms the foundation on which we continue to develop a sustainable, future-focused agribusiness.

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Agricultural Economist to provide expert economic analysis and financial insights to support strategic decision-making within the VKB Financing environment.

The ideal candidate will excel in financial modeling, interpreting financial statements, and compiling accurate budgets and forecasts. A strong project-management mindset is essential, as well as the ability to communicate complex information clearly to both internal teams and clients. This role requires a balance of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and relationship-building within a high-performance environment.

About You

You are passionate about agriculture, economics, and supporting producers through informed, data-driven decision-making. You think analytically, work accurately, and approach your responsibilities with professionalism and accountability. You enjoy engaging with clients, solving problems, and contributing to financial decisions that directly impact farming operations.

Your experience in agriculture, commercial banking, or development finance has equipped you with a solid understanding of credit, financial analysis, and risk evaluation. You are confident in motivating credit recommendations and structuring transactions that support responsible lending.

You naturally embody VKB’s values:

  • Humble: You collaborate openly, listen actively, and engage with respect.

  • Hungry: You are driven to grow, learn, and continuously improve.

  • Bold: You voice insights confidently and bring innovative ideas to the table.

  • Smart: You use sound judgement and emotional intelligence in complex situations.

  • Team Player: You work well with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

You take pride in delivering high-quality work and contributing to the long-term success of our farming communities.

Requirements

  • BSc Agricultural Economics, BCom (Agricultural Economics), or BCom Financial Management with Agricultural Economics
  • Experience within agricultural businesses, commercial banks, or development financing institutions
  • Practical knowledge of the National Credit Act
  • RE5 beneficial but not essential
  • 3–5 years’ relevant experience
  • Ability to prepare and motivate credit recommendations
  • Ability to structure transactions and present recommendations to mandates and/or credit committees
  • Ability to perform financial modeling aligned to client needs
  • Willingness to travel
  • Fluent in Afrikaans and English

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide comprehensive agricultural economic and advisory services
  • Conduct feasibility studies within the financing department
  • Compile risk reports and credit evaluations
  • Develop and implement cash-flow models
  • Compile and maintain production standards within the service area
  • Build strong relationships through client liaison and visits
  • Participate in study groups and industry engagements
  • Contribute to the development and training of colleagues within the department

Skills Required

  • Strong leadership and management ability
  • Analytical and detail-driven mindset
  • Problem-solving orientation
  • Ability to generate ideas and propose solutions
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Strategic thinking capability
  • Project-driven work approach

Other Information
  • The company can expire jobs at any time at their own discretion.
  • VKB Group and/or its subsidiary companies will use any personal data collected through the job opportunities section of this website for recruitment purposes only and, should your application be successful, for purposes connected with your employment.
  • VKB Group is an equal opportunity employer. VKB Group’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to VKB Group’s Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. VKB Group actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities
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