Horticulture Trials Specialist

Mayfly Agri (Pty) Ltd; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Mayfly Agri (Pty) Ltd in Centurion is seeking a diligent trials coordinator to manage phase 2+ testing of new fruit and vegetable varieties. You will coordinate sowing, planting, cultivation and harvesting activities with Crop Specialists, Sales Representatives and Account Managers, and select growers for trials.

The role requires a relevant agriculture degree, 1–2 years in horticulture, strong organizational and communication skills, and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Must have a relevant tertiary qualification (Bachelor or University Degree) in Agriculture.
• Minimum 1-2 years' relevant work experience in the horticulture industry.
• Good analytical and interpersonal skills in an international environment.
• Experience with fruit-bearing crops such as peppers, tomatoes, watermelon, and brinjals would be advantageous.
• Demonstrated strong scheduling and time management skills.
• Must be able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Show initiative and be self-motivated.
• Possesses strong organizational skills.
• Must be scientifically minded.
• Fluency in English (Read, Write, Speak).
• Must have a valid driver's licence and be willing to travel when required.

Responsibilities

• Testing varieties in phase 2+ and 3 to verify their suitability for the market and the assigned area.
• Developing trial plans in coordination with Crop Specialists, Sales Representatives, Account Managers, and Sales Managers.
• Selecting growers where trials are being carried out together with Sales Representatives or Crop Specialists.
• Implementing trials and following sowing, transplanting, cultivation, and harvesting activities.
• Informing Crop Specialists, Sales Representatives, and Sales Managers about trial plan progress and gaps.
• Carrying out trial evaluations and qualitative tests (shelf life, taste, brix, etc.).
• Sharing results of phase 2+ and 3 trials with the commercial team and assisting in defining agronomical adjustments for varieties.
• Creating opportunities for sales and promotion of company varieties in line with commercial objectives.
• Providing detailed technical growing advice to growers, plant raisers, and distributors to maximize market share for company varieties.
• Contributing to the drafting of leaflets, catalogues, newsletters, and advertisements.
• Supporting and participating in promotional and marketing activities, such as demo days, exhibitions, and seminars.
• Acquiring detailed knowledge of the market.
• Acquiring detailed knowledge of the regional market for all crops in terms of segments, products, and opportunities through regular market visits and supporting Crop Specialists and Sales Representatives.
• Reporting on trial activities to the Sales Manager, Managing Director, and Crop Specialist.
• Registering trial evaluation results in Agora Trials.
• Issuing weekly reports on performed activities, commercial opportunities in the area, and competitor activities.
• Communicating with relevant stakeholders.
• Ensuring that relevant stakeholders, such as Sales Representatives, Crop Specialists, Account Managers, and the Sales Manager, are being kept well-informed about trial progress.
• Maintaining close contact with Sales Representatives, Crop Specialists, and the Crop Coordinator for overall coordination of trials.

Skills

Bachelor in Agriculture

Horticulture experience

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

English fluency

Team player

Driver's license

Willing to travel

Education

Bachelor or University Degree in Agriculture

Job description

Mayfly Agri (Pty) Ltd in Centurion is seeking a diligent trials coordinator to manage phase 2+ testing of new fruit and vegetable varieties. You will coordinate sowing, planting, cultivation and harvesting activities with Crop Specialists, Sales Representatives and Account Managers, and select growers for trials.

The role requires a relevant agriculture degree, 1–2 years in horticulture, strong organizational and communication skills, and willingness to travel.