Technical Advisor

Afgri; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 350 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animal nutrition company is seeking a sales representative for their ruminant feed products. The role involves maintaining client relationships and providing technical advice. Candidates must have a B.Sc in Animal Science and 5 years of relevant sales experience. The position offers an opportunity to work independently while contributing to sales targets.

Qualifications

• 5 years sales and marketing experience in an animal feed company.

Responsibilities

• Regularly visit existing clients and prospective new clients.
• Maintain an updated client and prospect database.
• Provide technical advice on the product range.
• Measure progress on sales budget and submit reports.
• Liaise with factories for product quality and delivery issues.

Skills

Sales and marketing experience

Technical knowledge of ruminant nutrition

Good administration and planning skills

Interpersonal relationship building

Proactivity

Reliability

Education

Grade 12 or equivalent NQF Level 4

B.Sc (Agric) – Animal Science

M.Sc (Agric) – Animal Science (advantage)

Job description

AFGRI Animal Feeds requires the services of a suitably qualified, well‑motivated and results‑driven candidate to be appointed in the above‑mentioned vacant position. The successful candidate will be responsible for selling AAF ruminant feed through technical knowledge and value‑adding activities on a farm.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent NQF Level 4
• B.Sc (Agric) – Animal Science
• M.Sc (Agric) – Animal Science (advantage)
• 5 years sales and marketing experience in an animal feed company

Key Performance Areas

• Regularly visit existing clients and prospective new clients.
• Maintain an updated client and prospect database.
• Provide technical advice on the product range.
• Measure progress on sales budget, monitor the expense budget, identify budget deviations and submit weekly / monthly budget reports.
• Oversee the placing of orders at factories.
• Liaise with factories to determine challenges related to product quality, product delivery, and product collection and recommend corrective measures where applicable.
• Manage and reconcile customer accounts on a monthly basis.
• Evaluate and provide feedback on competitors, product quality and product performance.
• Determine market potential and customer needs as well as price determination in accordance with the agreed schedule.
• Provide weekly / monthly feedback on tons gained and tons lost.
• Attend marketing and social events to track potential clients.

Technical Knowledge / Competencies

• Strong marketing profile.
• Sound knowledge of ruminant nutrition.
• Extrovert with a positive attitude.
• Good administration and planning skills – effective and efficient.
• Ability to create and maintain good interpersonal relationships with clients.
• Ability to work and operate independently.

Behavioural Competencies / Skills

• Pro‑active
• Hardworking
• Reliable and positive
• Self‑motivated initiator

Closing date : 12 November

• Please note that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

Applicants who have not heard from us within 30 days of the closing date may assume that their applications have been unsuccessful and are hereby thanked for their interest. The filling of this position will be aligned with AFGRI's Employment Equity Policy.

Fulfilling a disclosure under the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA) we have a duty to provide you with detail regarding the processing of your personal information. Information pertaining to this processing is available in the HR Processing Notice on the AFGRI Group website.