Agri-tech Business Development Manager

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Commission & Bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Growth opportunities

Hybrid work

State-of-the-art technologies

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 invites a strategic Agri-tech Business Development Manager to identify market opportunities and forge partnerships in East London and beyond. You will drive adoption of innovative agricultural technologies, build key stakeholder relationships, and shape business strategies for growth.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in a related field and ideally an MBA, with 5+ years in BD, sales, or marketing in Agri-tech or tech sectors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Agriculture, Agronomy, Engineering, or a related field is required.
• MBA or relevant Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or marketing in Agri-tech, agriculture, or technology sectors.
• Proven track record of achieving sales and BD targets.
• Strong understanding of agricultural practices and tech solutions.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinking and strong analytical abilities.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Proficiency in CRM software and sales management tools.
• Experience in market analysis and strategic planning.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within Eastern Cape and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the agricultural technology sector.
• Develop and implement strategic business plans to achieve sales and growth targets.
• Build and maintain relationships with farmers, cooperatives, agricultural enterprises, and tech partners.
• Understand customer needs and articulate how Agri-tech solutions address them.
• Negotiate and close deals with profitable terms.
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and conferences.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to spot trends.
• Collaborate with product development and marketing for market feedback.
• Develop compelling sales presentations and proposals.
• Manage the sales pipeline and provide accurate forecasting.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Agriculture, Agronomy, Engineering, or related field

MBA or Master's degree

Tools

CRM software

Sales management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative Agri-tech company revolutionizing farming through advanced technology solutions, is seeking a dynamic and strategic Agri-tech Business Development Manager to join their team. This role, primarily based in East London, Eastern Cape , but with a hybrid work arrangement, is responsible for identifying new market opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving the adoption of the company's cutting-edge agricultural technologies. You will play a key role in expanding the company's market share, understanding customer needs, and developing business strategies that align with the rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of technological advancement in agriculture within the vibrant Eastern Cape region, connecting innovative solutions with the needs of the farming community.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the agricultural technology sector.


• Develop and implement strategic business plans to achieve sales and growth targets.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including farmers, cooperatives, agricultural enterprises, and technology partners.


• Understand customer needs and pain points, and articulate how the company's Agri-tech solutions can address them.


• Negotiate and close deals, ensuring profitable and mutually beneficial agreements.


• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and conferences.


• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities.


• Collaborate with the product development and marketing teams to provide market feedback and drive innovation.


• Develop compelling sales presentations and proposals.


• Manage the sales pipeline and provide accurate forecasting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Agriculture, Agronomy, Engineering, or a related field.


• An MBA or relevant Master's degree is a plus.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or marketing within the Agri-tech, agricultural, or technology sectors.


• Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales and business development targets.


• Strong understanding of agricultural practices and challenges, coupled with knowledge of technology solutions.


• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.


• Strategic thinking and strong analytical abilities.


• Ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships.


• Proficiency in CRM software and sales management tools.


• Experience in market analysis and strategic planning.


• Must possess a valid driver's license and be willing to travel within the Eastern Cape and occasionally beyond.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including an attractive commission and bonus structure, reflecting the critical nature of this business development role.


• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid and a retirement fund.


• This position provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and development within a fast-paced, innovative Agri-tech company.


• The hybrid work model offers flexibility and a healthy work-life balance.


• You will be working with state-of-the-art technologies and contributing to the modernization of agriculture in the East London area and beyond.


• We foster a collaborative and dynamic work culture.


• Generous annual leave and potential travel allowances are provided.