Business Project Lead Agriculture

SUMMARY:

A provider of specialized crop solutions to the agricultural industry is seeking the above to be responsible for successfully leading, managing, and executing identified projects. These projects include new market channels and/or growth initiatives aimed at expanding the organization’s existing market share through various entities within the group or capturing alternative market channels.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a B.Com., B. Sc. or similar degree; An Agricultural Economics qualification would be an advantage
• Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience
• Experience in client relations, negotiations, commercial agreement, demand planning and supply chain would be highly advantageous
• Must have working knowledge of agricultural input products and general farming practices
• Entrepreneurial experience and business acumen is advantageous
• General understanding of the agricultural input value chain including key industry stakeholders (associations / industry bodies, competitors, farmers)
• High level understanding of broader agriculture landscape and dynamics and a strong ability to effectively work in and/or manage cross-functional teams (who are not direct reports), including internal stakeholders, customers and channel partners
• Strong negotiation, written and verbal communication skills in Afrikaans and English
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders even in difficult circumstances
• Display excellent skills in project management and effective planning
• Must be assertive, structured, disciplined and self-starter

• Evaluating business opportunities with selected partners to identify customer needs, challenges, and scope for implementing differentiated value propositions and channels to market.
• Performing needs analysis on product requirements and identifying opportunities to aggregate products for bulk supply.
• Evaluating technical inputs and support required.
• Transforming needs into a budget and project plan.
• Discussing budgets with WUSA Department Heads to devise value propositions, optimum supply plans, and required support.
• Performing key account visits to leading farmers to ensure continuous communication, proactively identifying challenges, and resolving issues.
• Conducting regular meetings and discussions with channel partners and stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges while monitoring progress.
• Reporting and discussing opportunities and challenges, and monitoring progress with WUSA Departmental Heads and Group Executives.
• Collaborating closely with the Group Executive to refine, transition, and prepare opportunities for execution.
• Monitoring the external environment for trends, disruptions, and adjacent market opportunities, and presenting insights to the Group Executive.
• Preparing and delivering clear, structured updates and recommendations to channel partners, stakeholders, and key clients.