Head of Product Development and Marketing (for Sub-Sahara Africa)

This senior position based in Strand, Western Cape, offers a challenging opportunity as part of a dynamic management team focused on the crop protection market in the Sub-Sahara region. The successful candidate will report to the GM, Sub-Sahara Region.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Product Development:

• Strategic planning and steering of research to expand product portfolio
• Identify potential new products to develop or incorporate in product portfolio
• Liaise with Rovensa product development division and international divisions to exploit synergies

2. Tactical implementation of the development plan:

• Developing protocols to ensure focussed product development in the SSA region
• Oversee in-house development team operations
• Management of contracted trials
• Data and Trial Report Analysis and Project management

3. Information transfer & Trade Marketing:

• Convert new research data into marketing materials, incl. technical brochures, presentations etc.
• Planning and preparation of advertisements, advertorials and media releases for digital, social and paper media, in co-operation with internal marketing support
• Liaise with external design company to create marketing materials based on global guidelines
• Arranging sponsorships, attending conferences and general liaison with industry bodies to build the company image
• Knowledge transfer to sales staff in support of sales activities

4. Administrative:

• Financial planning and management of marketing budget
• Plan and arrange incoming tours for local and international customers
• Required to travel locally and to international Group meetings

Minimum Requirements:

• Proven experience in the South African and African crop protection industry and distribution networks. (Knowledge of market requirements, success drivers, entry barriers, etc.)
• Relevant tertiary qualification (preferably post graduate level in biological sciences and / or marketing)
• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar management position related to technical sales, support and marketing in crop protection or bio-stimulant market
• Excellent technical knowledge of pest control products (including bio-pesticides), integrated pest management programs and crop knowledge in the Sub-Sahara region
• Minimum language requirement: Excellent proficiency in Afrikaans and English (spoken and written)
• Excellent communication skills (including public speaking/presenting, social media) as well as computer literacy to support these skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to analyse and interpret data and trial reports
• Disciplined and motivated to achieve deadlines and commercial goals

A market-related remuneration package will be negotiated based on experience and qualifications.