Area Manager

SOLEVO Group; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent chemical distributor in Pietermaritzburg is seeking an experienced Area Manager to enhance market presence. This role involves leading commercial activities, implementing sales strategies, and managing customer relationships in the agricultural sector. Candidates should have a diploma in Agriculture and 3-5 years of relevant experience. Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• 3 - 5 years working experience in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of sales strategies and market dynamics.
• Ability to build and maintain customer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support commercial activities in the assigned territory.
• Develop and implement strategies for business growth.
• Manage logistics and supply chain arrangements.

Skills

Team management

Sales strategy development

Customer relationship management

Market research

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Agriculture

Croplife or BASOS certificate

Grade 12 (Matric)

Tools

Microsoft applications

Job description

Who are we?

SOLEVO is a leading distributor of chemicals and inputs for specific industrial and agricultural segments in Africa. SOLEVO assists African farmers and Industries succeed by providing them with a full range of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products and industrial chemicals they need with a guaranteed quality and good value. With over 75 years at the frontier of economic growth and transformation across Africa, we deliver critical raw materials and expertise to the continent’s high GDP-contributing life sciences and industrials sectors. Rolfes Agri is part of Solevo Group.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking an experienced and talented Area Manager. This role is vital for ensuring the growth and sustainability of Rolfes Agri's market presence.

What do we expect from the candidate?

The candidate will join the Agricultural Products team. The objective of this role is to lead and support commercial activities within the assigned territory, ensuring the implementation of strategic sales plans and team management.

The Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for business growth within the area.
• Design and develop innovative products with the product development team.
• Provide technical advice to agents on the use of products on various crops.
• Help distributors to develop solutions for crops.
• Help to manage logistics and supply chain arrangements for depots regarding stock.
• Manage forecast within the area for each depot or sales agent.
• Give training on Rolfes Agri products or crops for study groups or distributors.
• Manage and control consignment stock in depots to increase sales and reduce stock levels. (In coordination with logistics department).
• Visit all agents allocated to his area from time to time (at least once every 1-2 months, depending on number of agents).
• Do demonstration trials and report on results.
  
  

If you possess…

Must-Have

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Agricultural Qualification - National Diploma or Degree in Agriculure.
• Croplife or BASOS certificate. If not, must be obtained within a year.
• 3 - 5 years working experience in a similar role.
• Computer Literate in Microsoft applications.
  
  

Nice-to-Have

• Sales Strategy: Develop and implement effective sales strategies to meet or exceed sales target in the assigned area.
• Team management: Lead, train, and mentor a team of sales representatives. Monitor their performance, provide guidance and conduct regular evaluations.
• Market Research: Conduct market research to identify trends, customer needs, and competition. Use this data to adjust sales tactics and product offerings.
• Customer Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, including farmers and retail partners.
• Product promotion: Develop and execute promotional campaigns and marketing initiatives to increase product awareness and demand.
• Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels, manage stock, and ensure product availability for customers.
• Sales Reporting: Prepare and present sales reports, including sales forecasts, market trends, and competitor analysis, to the management team.
• Expansion: Identify new business opportunities, territories, and potential partnerships to extend the market presence of the company's farm input products.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, quality standards, and industry best practices in the sales of farm inputs.
  
  

Why join Rolfes Agri (Solevo)?

• Join a young dynamic team who is leading the chemical distribution on the African continent.
• Enjoy a collaborative, international and agile work environment.
• Be part of a team where freedom, initiative and ‘thinking out of the box’ is key.
• Opportunity to work in a growing versatile environment.
• Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits package.
• Explore opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
  
  

Then, this job is for you!

How to join us?

If you’re excited about this position, we encourage you to submit your resume detailing your relevant experience and be part of our exciting journey.

What's next ?

If your profile matches our search, you will be contacted by our HR team for a first contact.

Please be informed that we will keep your profile to contact you for future professional opportunities.

Join Solevo: Empowering Progress Across Africa

At Solevo, we connect communities and industries with the solutions they need to grow, thrive, and transform. From supporting agricultural self-sufficiency to driving industrial innovation, we are shaping the future of Africa’s life sciences and industrial sectors.