Agri-business Development Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Car allowance

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, seeks an accomplished Agri-business Development Manager to drive growth, partnerships and market expansion in the agricultural sector. You will identify opportunities, nurture key relationships with farmers, cooperatives and distributors, and lead negotiations, proposals and the sales cycle from start to close.

The role offers hybrid work, regional travel, and a path to shape the company's strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or Agriculture.
• 7+ years in agri-business sales or BD with proven revenue growth.
• Deep knowledge of the SA agricultural value chain and Mpumalanga market.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficient in CRM and sales management tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies to drive growth.
• Identify market opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams in agriculture.
• Build relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners.
• Lead contract negotiations and strategic alliances.
• Manage sales pipeline from start to close; report outcomes.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation skills

Networking

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Leadership

Sales management

Agricultural value chain knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or Agriculture

MBA

Tools

CRM software

Sales management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic player in the agricultural input and services sector, is seeking an accomplished Agri-business Development Manager to drive growth and strategic partnerships. This role, based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , requires a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of agricultural markets, value chains, and business development principles. You will be responsible for identifying new market opportunities, fostering relationships with key stakeholders (farmers, cooperatives, distributors), and expanding the company's reach and service offerings. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional commercial acumen, a proven ability to drive sales and market share, and a passion for contributing to the prosperity of the agricultural sector. This role offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape business strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive business development strategies to achieve company growth objectives. Identify and pursue new market opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams within the agricultural sector. Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, industry stakeholders, and potential partners. Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify trends, threats, and opportunities. Lead negotiations for contracts, agreements, and strategic alliances. Develop compelling business proposals and presentations for potential clients and partners. Manage a pipeline of business opportunities and oversee the sales process from initiation to closing. Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., marketing, operations, finance) to ensure successful implementation of business initiatives. Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and conferences. Monitor market performance and provide regular reports on business development activities and outcomes.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Agriculture, or a related field; an MBA is a plus. A minimum of 7 years of experience in business development, sales management, or strategic planning within the agri-business or agricultural services sector. Demonstrated success in identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities and driving revenue growth. In-depth knowledge of the agricultural value chain, crop production, and key market dynamics in South Africa, particularly in the Mpumalanga region. Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills. Strong networking abilities and a proven track record of building and maintaining professional relationships. Strategic thinking and analytical skills with the ability to develop and implement effective business plans. Proficiency in CRM software and sales management tools. Ability to travel frequently within the region and occasionally nationally. A proactive and results-oriented approach with strong leadership qualities.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive base salary, a generous performance-based commission structure, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, a provident fund, and a car allowance. The hybrid work model provides flexibility, allowing for strategic planning and client engagement from a home office, supplemented by regular on-site meetings and travel within the Nelspruit area and broader region. Employees have access to professional development programs and opportunities to shape the strategic direction of a growing company. This role is ideal for a motivated professional seeking to make a significant impact in the agricultural business landscape.