Regulatory Specialist

POSITION: REGULATORY SPECIALISTREPORTS TO: MARKETING MANAGER GRADE: C UPPER JOB OBJECTIVE: Manage the registration and ongoing regulatory compliance of Agro-Serve’s product portfolio in South Africa and other defined territories, including agricultural remedies, biological products and fertilisers. Coordinate the technical data and trials needed to support registrations, maintain market access and enable responsible product development. Act as the main liaison between the business, regulatory authorities and external technical partners, with support for additional markets where assigned.RESPONSIBILITIES:Product registrations and regulatory planningPrepare, review and submit complete registration dossiers and supporting documentation under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947), and applicable regulations and guidelines.Manage new applications, renewals, amendments, label extensions and daughter registrations, including the required permissions and supporting data from registration holders and suppliers.Maintain a registration tracker covering submission deadlines, renewal dates, regulatory queries, costs and outstanding actions. Follow up with the Registrar and escalate risks to product availability or launch plans.Advise the commercial team on registration pathways, data requirements, anticipated review timeframes, costs and constraints. Develop regulatory plans aligned with business priorities.Monitor changes in legislation, registration requirements and scientific guidance; assess their impact and coordinate the actions required across the business.Registration trials and scientific dataPlan and coordinate trials required for new registrations, renewals and extensions of approved uses, including efficacy, crop safety and other relevant studies.Develop or review trial protocols with suitably qualified specialists and research partners to meet applicable regulatory requirements.Manage external research providers against agreed protocols, budgets and timelines. Review reports for scientific quality, completeness and suitability for submission.Identify gaps in available data and obtain the studies, technical information and access rights needed to support applications.Labels and regulatory recordsReview product labels, packaging artwork and proposed marketing claims against approved registrations and applicable requirements before release.Maintain controlled, current records of registrations, approved labels, safety data sheets (SDSs), trial reports, formulations, supplier documents, regulatory correspondence and fees. Coordinate updates to hazard classification and safety information with suppliers and relevant specialists.Technical support and stakeholder engagementProvide accurate technical guidance and training to marketing, sales, customers and other stakeholders on registered uses, product performance and label directions.Support investigations into product performance complaints with quality, suppliers and research partners; document findings and recommend corrective action.Maintain constructive relationships with regulators, registration holders, research organisations, scientists and industry associations. Represent Agro-Serve on relevant technical and regulatory matters within an agreed mandate.Provide regular updates on registration progress, emerging risks, trial outcomes and decisions required from management.Product development and sourcing supportWork with marketing and product development teams to assess new products, label extensions and opportunities in current and additional markets.Identify potential sources of active ingredients and formulated products with procurement and commercial teams. Assess regulatory suitability, technical specifications, data access and the implications of supplier or formulation changes.Provide technical and regulatory input into supplier selection, quality and continuity of supply, including any approvals required before changes are implemented.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEDegree in Horticulture/ Plant Pathology/ Chemistry/ Entomology or a related field is essential Must be registered with SACNASP as a scientistAVCASA Certification in Crop Protection is essential FERTASA certification is essential Proven knowledge and work experience with Act 365 years’ technical experience in a similar industry is essential SKILLS AND WORKING REQUIREMENTSMeticulous attention to detail; strong scientific judgement and problem solving; sound knowledge of horticulture and product application; clear written and verbal communication; effective stakeholder and project coordination; accurate record keeping; and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines with appropriate independence. Willingness to travel as required.APPLICATIONSPlease apply through LinkedIn. Closing date for applications: 15 October 2026. Disclaimer: Strictly fair and non-discriminatory selection procedures will be followed. We use Employment Equity (EE) and Affirmative Action (AA) measures in an endeavour to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. Where possible, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act and in line with Agro-Serve’s Employment Equity plans. Agro-Serve reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time. Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within two (2) weeks following the closing date for applications, kindly consider their application unsuccessful.