Technical Sales Specialist M/F

Sumitomo Chemical Group; Lyon; Remote; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Chemical Group is seeking a Technical Sales Specialist for Germany to drive sales, support farmers, and promote Sumitomo products in the local market. You will collaborate with sales and marketing to deliver growth for new product launches and the current portfolio.

The role requires strong technical knowledge in crop protection, a proven sales track record, and the ability to manage trials and CRO relationships across Europe. Regular travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in agriculture or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of technical sales experience in Crop Protection products.
• German native and English fluent.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales in Germany and support regional marketing with technical input.
• Develop demand creation and build relationships with farmers and distributors.
• Coordinate trials and efficacy data with CROs and internal teams.
• Provide technical field support and align with Business Manager on region priorities.

Skills

Crop protection knowledge

Sales experience

Autonomous work

English fluent

Education

Bachelor/Master in agriculture

Job description

Technical Sales Specialist Germany M/F

Founded in 1913, Sumitomo Chemical is a global chemical company based in Japan, offering a diverse range of products globally in four sectors: Agro & Life Solutions, ICT Solutions, Advanced Medical Solutions, Essential & Green Materials. The global company realizes a turnover of ca. €20 billion (22 billion USD) and employs more than 29.000 people worldwide.In the Agro & Life Solutions sector, Sumitomo Chemical is the 8th largest company, with a strong R&D focused on both conventional and biorational fields. The EMEA headquarters, Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe (SCAE), are based near Lyon in France. As part of significant investments in R&D, Sumitomo Chemical wants to strengthen its efficiency and responsiveness in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

We are looking for Germany area for a Technical Sales Specialist M/F.

Mission:

The technical sales specialist will play a significant part in supporting sales of existing and new products through demand creation efforts and technical support for our customers and farmers in the local market to develop awareness of the Sumitomo Chemical solution and increase sales.He/she will also support the development team in establishing trial protocols for the generation of efficacy data for registrations in each local market. He/she will also be primary contact with local CROs.

Main Accountabilities:

To increase sales

• Work in collaboration with the sales and marketing teams to create and execute on the sales targets. This should include objectives and tactics designed to deliver growth for new product launches and current portfolio.


• Evaluate market and industry trends, competitors, sales programs, and territory coverage.


• Increase demand/sales in the region for each customer and drive sales for all products to key accounts.


• Provide feedback from the field regarding the need for new products or improvements to existing products.


• Identify and collect new opportunities and develop strategies to capture them.


• Aligning with the Business Manager to support sales priorities and direction in the region.


• Be responsible for market support trials.

To develop awareness of Sumitomo Chemical business

• Provide technical support for key projects or products (both online and in the field) on crops in the region.


• Identify influential external stakeholders (advisers, key growers, seed companies) and establish positive relationships.


• Build brand awareness among farmers and key distribution partners.


• Carry out demand creation activities directed by the supervisor in collaboration with other stakeholders.


• Support Operational Marketing in the execution of planned activities in the region.


• Support local trials and ensure regular visits, be the main contact with local CROs.


• Ensure materials support on products and pictures on trials for marketing needs.

Required skills and profile:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the Crop Protection industry, including Biorational, Biostimulants, and Plant Growth Regulators and a good understanding of plant physiology, crop production, crop protection, and soil health is a plus.


• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in agriculture or a related field such as Soil Biology, Mycology, Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Horticulture.

Languages:

• German: Mother tongue.


• English: fluent.

Experience & skills:

• Minimum of 5 years of technical experience in selling Crop Protection products including Biorational, Biostimulants etc.


• Proven ability to deliver results against a changing and difficult business environment


• Good planning skills and ability and willingness to work autonomously, together with teamwork. ability. Demonstrated commercial skills and understanding of strategic marketing principles.


• Proven sales track record of creating demand through non-price value creation.

Ad ditional information:

We are offering a permanent contract for a position based in Germany. This role requires regular business trips in Europe and meetings in France in the Headquarter (Lyon). Travels required 50-75% of time spent in the field (customer and trail visits, etc.) with:

• 70% of the time spent on sales support.


• 30% of the time spent on development support.