Regional Marketing and Technical Advisor on Fungicide and Insecticide: Western Cape

United Phosphorus Limited (UPL); Paarl; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural inputs company is seeking a Regional Marketing and Technical Advisor in Paarl, Western Cape. The role entails driving marketing initiatives for Fungicides and Insecticides while providing technical support. Ideal candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in the crop protection industry and a degree in Agriculture. This position offers significant responsibilities in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5 years' experience in crop protection marketing & business development.
• BSc Degree or Diploma in Agriculture is required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Drive marketing initiatives with Distributors to achieve financial targets.
• Provide technical support on Fungicide and Insecticide products.
• Contribute to training programs for sales teams and distributors.

Skills

Crop protection industry experience

Market intelligence

Technical skill in marketing tools

Agrochemical industry knowledge

Understanding of crop production methods

Financial acumen

Education

BSc Degree or Diploma in Agriculture

BASOS and AVCASA certification

Job description

Regional Marketing and Technical Advisor on Fungicide and Insecticide: Western Cape

Job Id: 11628

City: PAARL CAPE, Western Cape, South Africa

Employee Type: Permanent Full Time

Seniority Level: Executive

Role Summary

UPL South Africa is a leading company in the agricultural inputs industry. We have an exciting opportunity for a Regional Marketing and Technical Advisor on Fungicide and Insecticide in the Western Cape region of South Africa. The main focus of this role will be to drive and execute the business support initiatives to contribute in reaching the region’s allocated financial targets with specific focus on Fungicide and Insecticide products. Secondary focus of this role will be to supply technical advice and service to Distributor and Distributor representatives.

Be responsible to drive the strategic agenda of UPL locally as well as Globally in accordance with Marketing strategic direction. Coordinate and plan strategy for allocated region in conjunction with regional UPL Business manager.

Primary - Role Responsibilities

• Service the Distributor and Distributor representatives by creating marketing opportunities with each, to drive marketing and sales, in conjunction with the UPL regional Business Manager, to achieve allocated financial targets.
• Drive business support initiatives to reach sales budget in the region and offer technical support on all UPL Fungicide and Insecticide products as well as other Strategic Products.
• Contribute to training programs and product presentations of UPL sales team, distributors, and agents.
• Contribute to demonstration trials plan definition & drive trial implementation in the region.

• Execute demonstrations, collect, and present data from demonstration trials.
• Contribute to key account approach development – customer database with key promotion activities.
• Commercial trial work on all new Fungicide and Insecticide remedies.
• Develop, maintain, and advance digital crop monitoring systems and programs within company strategic plan. (Satellite, drones, weather stations etcetera)
• Contribute to agent service & technical support on all Fungicide and Insecticide products.
• Utilise relevant commercial and /or demonstration trial locations as marketing/demo days.
• All the above in full coordination with the Regional Business Manager.

Secondary - Business development and Portfolio Management

• Up-to-date knowledge of the markets and agricultural products relating to Fungicide and Insecticide range.
• Contribute to Fungicide and Insecticide portfolio positioning strategy & continuous improvement in terms of value proposition statement.
• Contribute to product training presentations & promotion materials.
• Contribute to product launch planning & drive execution in region.
• Contribute to future Fungicide and Insecticide portfolio strategy by identifying & suggesting new market opportunities.
• Contribute to product pricing strategy including competitive analysis & differentiation in the region.
• Recommendation on continuous improvement of current labels.
• Identifying new uses for current products.
• Content creation – Create content for marketing activities such as social media, brochures, trial results booklets, digital platforms, etc.

Internal Stakeholders

• Liaises with Commercial, Development and Marketing on new product launches, technical training, focus products, marketing activities, demonstrations, and field events, etc.

External Stakeholders

• Distributors, Distributor representatives
• Farmers
• Researchers and industry specialists
• Suppliers

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

• 5 years' experience in crop protection industry in marketing & business development positions
• BSc Degree or Diploma in Agriculture. BASOS and AVCASA certified.
• If not BASOS and AVCASA certified, will be required to successfully obtain within first year of service.
• Good business/market intelligence and excellent technical skill regarding marketing tools and strategies.
• Broad knowledge of agrochemical & Ag input business with good industry credibility and value chain expertise.
• Broad knowledge of crop cultivating and production methods.
• Good technical understanding of bio stimulant and innovative nutrition and key competitors in the market.
• General knowledge of the market and regulatory processes.
• Financial acumen with ability to understand basic financial principles.

Behavioural Skills Requirement

• Must be able to liaise independently with various customers and stakeholders.
• Must get along and be able to work closely with Distributors and their representatives.
• Be part of the UPL team and be willing to add value to the broader country initiatives.
• Must be willing to travel and attend workshops, meetings, etc. when needed.

UPL COMPETENCIES

• Adaptability & Resilience Recognizes and is open to changing circumstances and alters behavior and scales up as necessary; increases personal awareness and appreciation of individual and cultural differences to create an open, inclusive, and accepting workplace.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset Has a creative mindset and ability to think holistically, takes calculated risks and maximizes opportunities.
• Results Orientation Takes action, pursues goals with persistence and achieves results; communicates goals and vision to the team to drive enthusiasm and ambition.
• Execution Excellence Enhances the speed of execution and builds efficiency in processes, systems, and people; has sharp focus on quality-orientation.
• Strategic Orientation Demonstrates knowledge of the social, economic, and environmental factors and how they impact the business. Identifies key issues that could impact the business and develops strategy through an analytical lens / design thinking.
• Building Teams and Talent Empowers colleagues through knowledge sharing and delegation, quickly establishing rapport; provides recognition for achievements and accomplishments.
• Customer Centricity Understands the customer needs and pain points, fulfills the needs and expectations by focusing on creating value for customers.