Trial Coordinator - Vegetable

Mayfly Agri; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Mayfly Agri in Gauteng seeks a qualified agricultural professional to drive field trials and market-ready varieties. You will design trials, coordinate with Crop Specialists and Sales teams, and evaluate outcomes across sowing, cultivation and harvesting stages.

Ideal candidates have 1–2 years in horticulture, strong organizational and analytical skills, and a proactive, team-oriented mindset. Travel readiness and English proficiency are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or university degree in Agriculture is required.
• Minimum 1–2 years' experience in horticulture.
• Fluency in English (read, write, speak).
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel.

Responsibilities

• Test varieties in phase 2+ and 3 to verify market suitability and regional fit.
• Develop trial plans with Crop Specialists, Sales Representatives, Account Managers and Sales Managers.
• Select growers for trials with Sales Representatives or Crop Specialists.
• Execute trials including sowing, transplanting, cultivation and harvesting.
• Inform stakeholders about trial progress and gaps.
• Carry out trial evaluations and qualitative tests (shelf life, taste, brix).
• Share results with the commercial team and assist in agronomical adjustments.
• Create opportunities for sales and promotion of company varieties.
• Provide technical growing advice to growers, plant raisers and distributors.
• Contribute to leaflets, catalogues, newsletters and advertisements.
• Support promotional and marketing activities such as demo days and exhibitions.
• Acquire market knowledge and regional market opportunities through visits.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Scheduling

Time management

Teamwork

Initiative

Organizational skills

Scientific mindset

English fluency

Driver's license travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture

Job description

Minimum requirements for the role:

• 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 license and be willing to travel when required

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• 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.