Job Description

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a relevant tertiary qualification (A university degree in agriculture or equivalent)
• Minimum 3-5 years' relevant work experience in sales in the horticulture industry
• Previous experience with fruit and vegetable crops would be ideal
• Know-how of sales techniques and product development is essential
• Must have good analytical and interpersonal skills
• Must have the ability to build and maintain long-term professional relationships
• Demonstrate strong negotiation and communication skills
• Must have a valid driver's license and be willing to travel
• Fluency in Afrikaans and English (Read, Write, Speak)

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Performing offline and online sales and promotion of vegetable varieties according to commercial objectives.
• Building strong customer-focused networks by visiting growers, plant raisers, dealers, and supply chain partners.
• Following up on leads obtained through online lead generation.
• Providing detailed technical cultivation advice to growers, plant raisers, and distributors.
• Assisting in the collection of overdue accounts.
• Dealing promptly with potential complaints.
• Preparing sales planning and reporting progress to management.
• Uploading sales forecasts per variety, including modifications, with a view to production planning.
• Maintaining customer records using CRM systems.
• Issuing weekly reports on performed activities, sales opportunities in the area, and competitor activities.
• Organizing and following variety trials.
• Collecting feedback from clients regarding variety traits and preferences.
• Reporting on trials and indicating commercial opportunities.
• Participating in local crop meetings and contributing input related to the area and crops.
• Co-organizing local demo days and actively participating in field days, exhibitions, and seminars.
• Actively contributing to the company's presence on online marketing channels.
• Collaborating in drafting online content, leaflets, catalogues, newsletters, and advertising by providing input.
• Gathering market information about the area, clients, and crops.
• Proactively contributing to and communicating about the development of digital services.
• Identifying digital needs of customers and translating these into internal development requests.
• Introducing new digital services and strategies to customers.
• Supporting customers in using digital services and making purchases.
• Aligning online and offline sales and marketing activities.
• Managing communication with relevant stakeholders.
• Ensuring that management and logistical departments are informed about sales progress and orders.
• Maintaining close contact with trial coordinators and crop specialists to stay informed about challenges and bottlenecks in crops under responsibility.

Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into only with the shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive any feedback from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Skills Required