Sales Agronomist

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Diploma or bachelor's degree in agriculture is preferred.
• At least 5 years' experience in business, technical and sales in the area of agriculture.
• Proven track record working with emerging farmers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional team.
• Willing to travel extensively.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Identify, appraise, appoint and develop distribution channel members to ensure robust account management to enhance vegetable and field crops distribution in South Africa, supporting 70% vegetable crops and 30% field crops.
• Work closely with the regional vegetable TD team to conduct trials, selection, segmentation and positioning of new varieties in the market.
• Plan and implement new product introduction programs including test marketing of new varieties, product launches and commercialization.
• Execute market development programs by conducting farmer led field demonstrations, field days and farmer trainings to create awareness and accelerate adoption of the company products among stakeholders.
• Execute the annual sales plan by engaging in monthly sales planning, forecasting and submitting a confirmed sales plan at both product and customer levels each month.
• Ensure that monthly sales targets and collections are met as per plan.
• Continuously conduct market surveys by gathering and analyzing market intelligence i.e customer feedback, competitor products and services, pricing strategies, marketing and branding and market potential information.
• To educate both internal and external stake holders on the vegetable and field crops portfolio including farmer-facing staff, the channel, ministry of Agriculture extension staff and NGO extension staff.
• Manage inventory at the channel level in coordination with merchandisers or channel stockkeepers to ensure movement and avoid stock write-offs.
• Submit a monthly report on sales support activities, performance, monthly planned activities, anticipated outcome and the implementation and execution plan.
• Coordinate the designing, production and distribution of market merchandise including leaflets, grower guide, fact sheets, posters, demo boards and develop relevant content for social media campaigns.