Key Account Manager - Agrochemicals

Mayfly Agri (Pty) Ltd; Kroonstad; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company in Kroonstad is seeking an experienced sales professional to manage key customer accounts and drive product sales. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Sales, or Marketing, fluency in Afrikaans and English, and at least 5 years of experience in the agricultural industry, particularly in sales. The role includes managing relationships with key farmers and providing technical support. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years combined sales and technical experience in the agricultural industry.
• Proven track record in client relationship management.
• Extensive expertise in plant health and crop care.

Responsibilities

• Manage sales to key customer accounts and expense budgets.
• Conduct regular on-farm visits to key farmers.
• Develop proposals for strategic product positioning in the region.

Skills

Client relationship management

Knowledge of fungicides and herbicides

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Strong presentation skills

Fluency in Afrikaans and English

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Sales, or Marketing

CropLife Certification

Job description

Minimum requirements for the role :

• Must have a Bachelors degree in Agriculture, Sales, or Marketing
• CropLife Certification is advantageous
• Minimum 5 years combined sales and technical experience in the agricultural industry
• Proven track record in client relationship management
• Strong knowledge of fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides is essential
• Must have extensive expertise in plant health and crop care
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong presentation skills aligned with the companys Agricultural Product brand
• Fluency in Afrikaans and English (Read, Write, Speak)

The successful candidate will be responsible for :

• Managing sales to respective key customer accounts and expense budgets.
• Managing the farmer key account buying process in conjunction with the Commercial Manager and National Sales Manager.
• Ensuring products are included in tender and material requests.
• Identifying new and potential mega farmer key accounts.
• Segmenting mega farmers.
• Conducting regular on-farm visits to key farmers to determine needs and offer solutions with or without key partners or agents.
• Visiting farms with technical support specialists to provide technical information and consultation.
• Managing and improving relationships related to key farmer activities such as buyers or financial managers, technical managers, farm managers, consultants, and owners / MDs / CEOs.
• Ensuring accurate monthly and annual forecasting aligned with mega farmer buying patterns.
• Developing proposals for strategic product positioning in the region and ensuring implementation.
• Optimizing marketing material in crop protection and defining advertising programs in line with area strategy in partnership with the marketing department.
• Establishing sound relationships and conducting regular meetings with the area team, customer agents, and their management structures.
• Providing technical support to agents and mega farmers during farmer days and other sales events.
• Providing technical recommendations on products and spray programs.
• Creating strategic product positioning documents for the season.
• Communicating crop team decisions and implementing them with customers management and agents.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key farmers to establish trust and long-term business.
• Engaging directly with growers through regular visits to discuss spray programs, identify needs, and provide tailored solutions.
• Promoting products and creating demand through demonstrations, field trials, and success stories.
• Utilizing loyalty programs to secure volumes and counter generic prices.
• Conducting product training sessions with technical support specialists and ensuring the safe handling of crop protection products.
• Collaborating with partners to offer value-added services such as AI fruit sizing and precision farming technologies.
• Monitoring market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to identify opportunities and threats.
• Negotiating and signing rewards agreements with growers and managing tender business comparisons.
• Providing ongoing support to growers during the season to address challenges and ensure satisfaction.
• Organizing and participating in events such as the Prestige Club event, product launches, and farmer days.
• Collaborating with the area team, customers, agents, and their management structures through regular meetings and relationship building.

Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into only with the shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive any feedback from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.