Starke Ayres: Product Manager - Kempton Park at Plennegy Group

Description

A role has become available for a Product Manager for the Commercial Sales Department. The purpose of this role is to maximise the returns from the sales of Starke Ayres’ approved range of seed products within his/her portfolio by coordinating and managing the Company’s national technical / marketing service programme of that portfolio, within the framework of the Company policy as determined from time to time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluate Starke Ayres’ seed product range, on an ongoing basis and identify actual and potential weaknesses. Recommends new cultivar introductions to and deletions from the product range.
• Liaises with Research / Suppliers in the identification of new, improved cultivars for testing and evaluation.
• Foster good relationships with plant breeders and suppliers and advise on customer/industry requirements and trends to assist with assessing the viability of products in local and International Breeding programmes.
• Monitor National Unit Budgets and stock planning for the portfolio.
• Plan and oversee the planting and evaluation of screening and phase 2 trials at strategic regions and customers (as identified in conjunction with the sales teams) and present the final results and recommendations at Range planning meetings.
• Conducts cooperative cultivar demonstrations and evaluates new potential cultivars.
• Supplies comprehensive written product information necessary for the formulation of an effective promotion, advertising and product support programme and participates actively in the planning and implementation of such a programme.
• Advises sales staff on changes and trends in the marketplace and the activities of competitors in the various regions.
• Motivate and introduce semi-commercial trials to sales teams with the necessary supporting documents and trial results.
• Launch new commercial products to the sales team and supply the necessary product launch documents and strategies.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive technical service programme (e.g. growing guidelines) for the Company’s sales and customer service personnel as well as its customers.
• Plan and oversee the planting & preparation of Farmers Day localities.
• Provides technical advice/assistance and presentations at Farmers Days and other Information Sessions.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:        

• B(Agric) / BSc Agric plus 5 years of experience
• N Diploma: Agriculture plus 10 years exp in Sales / Marketing
• Matric plus 15 years of internal experience in Sales / Marketing                                                     

Legal requirements:   

• Drivers Licence    

Training:                

• Technical/Marketing/ Presentation Skills,               
• Computer Literacy