Product Specialist

Sakata Seed Southern Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A key player in the seed industry is seeking a motivated Product Specialist based in Gauteng. The successful candidate will manage crop trials across Southern and East Africa, develop sales strategies, and provide technical support to the sales team. Candidates should have a tertiary qualification in horticulture, experience in agronomy, and be willing to travel extensively. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful agricultural advancements in a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of horticulture and agronomy.
• Valid driver's license mandatory.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement seasonal trials.
• Evaluate trial data and present findings.
• Develop crop and variety sales strategies.
• Provide technical support to sales representatives.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Irrigation knowledge

English proficiency

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Overview

Do you enjoy interacting with a diverse community of farmers, understanding their unique needs and providing high quality vegetable seed varieties to help them thrive? Are you self-motivated, able to manage your own schedule and eager to make a real impact on the agricultural industry? Are you keen to learn more about the Product Specialist position we have available? You will be joining Sakata's local Product Development Team that focuses on introducing new vegetable varieties into the market.

You will follow the requirements defined by the Product Specialist and Sales Team in conjunction with the greater Sakata international group.

Responsibilities

• Seasonal trial planning and implementation
• Trial layout planning
• Evaluation of trials
• Present data to Product Development team
• Maintain regular contact with Sales Representatives, distributors and growers to ensure trials are managed successfully and evaluated on time
• Crop Management
• Development of crop and variety sales strategy
• Implementation of crop strategies
• Maintain crop and variety knowledge
• Product training for Sales Representatives and Distributors
• Providing technical support

Work location

You will be based in Lanseria, Gauteng.

Responsible for your crop in the whole Southern and East Africa region. Your manager is based at Sakata's head office in Gauteng.

You have :

• A tertiary qualification
• A good knowledge of horticulture / agronomy and irrigation
• A good level of English, both written and spoken
• A valid driver's license
• Willing to work flexible hour
• Willing to travel extensively early mornings / late afternoons / evenings overnight if operationally required (B&B / Guesthouse)
• Willing to travel overseas
• Able to work under pressure
• Computer literate
• Able to work within deadlines, with good personal time management
• A team player who finds it easy to communicate and collaborate within the team and with other departments

About the company

You will be part of Sakata's Southern and East African Product Development team. While Sakata is a key international player in the seed industry, it has maintained a strong family spirit, creating a unique work environment defined by: A people focused culture – open communication at all levels. Strong connection to the field – work closely with colleagues and customers in the field. Stability and long-term vision – with Sakata's Japanese heritage, you will be part of a company that values sustainability, reliability and growth for the future.

Next steps

Send us your application (CV and cover letter) before 27 November.

• First contact with Monique (HR Manager)