Agri-Business Development Manager

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Commission & bonus structure

Health and retirement benefits

Company vehicle

Travel expenses covered

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dynamic Agri-Business Development Manager to drive growth in the Sandton, Gauteng region and beyond. You will identify opportunities, build stakeholder relationships in Agriculture & Forestry, and craft strategies to increase revenue and market share.

The role requires market analysis, lead generation, deal negotiation, and end-to-end account management with farmers, cooperatives, suppliers, and distributors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 6 years in business development, sales or account management in Agriculture & Forestry.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving growth.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within agriculture for market expansion.
• Develop and implement strategic BD plans to achieve sales and revenue targets.
• Build long-lasting relationships with farmers, cooperatives, suppliers and distributors.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities.
• Lead negotiations and manage end-to-end sales cycles from lead to close.
• Prepare compelling proposals and presentations for prospective clients.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations and finance to ensure client engagement.
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows and conferences.
• Monitor BD performance and report to senior management.
• Stay informed about industry developments, regulations and tech in agriculture.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Travel readiness

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Marketing/Agriculture

MBA (optional)

Tools

CRM (Salesforce)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the agricultural supply chain, is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Agri-Business Development Manager to drive growth and expand market reach within the Sandton, Gauteng region and beyond. This strategic role involves identifying new business opportunities, building strong relationships with key stakeholders in the Agriculture & Forestry sector, and developing innovative strategies to enhance revenue and market share. You will be responsible for market analysis, lead generation, negotiating and closing deals, and managing client accounts. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional commercial acumen, a deep understanding of the agricultural industry, and a proven ability to foster business relationships. This is a challenging and rewarding position for a proactive individual looking to make a significant impact on the business's success.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the agricultural sector, focusing on market expansion and product/service diversification.
• Develop and implement strategic business development plans to achieve sales and revenue targets.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with farmers, cooperatives, suppliers, distributors, and other industry stakeholders.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
• Lead negotiations and manage the entire sales cycle from lead generation to closing deals.
• Prepare and deliver compelling business proposals and presentations to prospective clients.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., marketing, operations, finance) to ensure seamless client engagement and project delivery.
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and conferences.
• Monitor business development performance and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Stay informed about industry developments, regulations, and technological advancements in agriculture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Agriculture, or a related field. An MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in business development, sales, or account management within the Agriculture & Forestry sector or a related industry.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving business growth.
• Excellent understanding of agricultural markets, supply chains, and business dynamics.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective business relationships.
• Proficiency in CRM software and sales management tools.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and travel as needed.
• A proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with an attractive commission and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Exposure to diverse aspects of the agricultural business landscape.
• Company vehicle and travel expenses covered.
• Work in a dynamic and evolving industry sector.
• Performance recognition programs.