Area Sales Manager (Agriculture)

Helderberg Personnel; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Helderberg Personnel is looking for an experienced Area Sales Manager to manage and expand the sales and distribution network across South Africa. This role involves delivering technical support and building strong client relationships while identifying new business opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of agricultural sales experience and be able to demonstrate strong leadership and agronomic knowledge, particularly in crop production. A valid driver’s license is required, and extensive travel will be necessary.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' experience in agricultural sales with proven track record.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing agents and distributors.
• Strong knowledge in crop production, specifically citrus.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with agents and clients.
• Travel to support agents and promote business development.
• Develop new markets and business opportunities.
• Provide technical training and product presentations.
• Organize industry events for brand promotion.
• Manage product trials and document results.
• Generate and manage sales opportunities.
• Manage sales targets and budget strategies.
• Identify new market opportunities through analysis.
• Collaborate with team on sales performance feedback.

Skills

Agricultural sales experience

Client relationship management

Sales targets achievement

Agronomic knowledge

Leadership skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Relevant qualification in Agriculture

BASOS certification

Job description

Main Purpose of the Position

The Area Sales Manager is responsible for the management, development and expansion of the company's sales and distribution network within the assigned territories. The position requires the delivery of technical support, the development of strong client relationships, the identification of new business opportunities and the implementation of sales and marketing strategies to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.

Qualifications & Experience

• A relevant qualification in Agriculture or a related field. BASOS certification will be advantageous.
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in agricultural sales, with a proven track record of consistently achieving or exceeding sales targets.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and developing agents, distributors, and sales representatives.
• Sound knowledge of planning, implementing, and evaluating product trials, including the interpretation of trial results.
• Strong agronomic knowledge and practical experience in crop production, with particular expertise in permanent crops such as citrus.
• Proven marketing, business development, and market expansion capabilities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• A valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel extensively throughout South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Agent and Client Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with agents, distributors, and clients through regular visits, technical support, and excellent service.
• Travel and Regional Support: Travel to support agents, distributors, and clients, and promote business development within designated regions.
• Sales Development and Business Expansion: Develop new markets, clients, and business opportunities to ensure sustainable growth.
• Training and Technical Presentations: Provide technical training and product presentations to agents, distributors, and producers.
• Exhibitions and Marketing Events: Organize and support industry events to promote brand awareness.
• Trial Management: Plan, manage, and evaluate product trials, ensuring that results and recommendations are accurately documented.
• Direct Sales: Generate, manage, and follow up on sales opportunities to maximize sales.
• Sales Management and Performance: Manage sales targets, budgets, and strategies to ensure profitability and growth.
• Market Research and Industry Development: Identify new market opportunities, products, and technologies through ongoing market and industry analysis.
• Teamwork and Reporting: Collaborate with the team and provide regular feedback on sales performance, market developments, and client activities