Technical Sales Representative - Seed

SUMMARY:

An international Seed Producer is seeking the above to be responsible for ensuring product development and the introduction and sales of the total vegetable assortment in a specified region, taking into account the commercial strategy in order to achieve the highest possible market share for the varieties in this area.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a relevant tertiary qualification (A university degree in agriculture or equivalent)
• Minimum 3-5 years’ relevant work experience in sales in the horticulture industry
• Previous experience with fruit and vegetable crops would be ideal
• Know-how of sales techniques and product development is essential
• Must have good analytical and interpersonal skills
• Must have the ability to build and maintain long-term professional relationships
• Demonstrate strong negotiation and communication skills
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel
• Fluency in Afrikaans and English (Read, Write, Speak)

• Performing offline and online sales and promotion of vegetable varieties according to commercial objectives.
• Building strong customer-focused networks by visiting growers, plant raisers, dealers, and supply chain partners.
• Following up on leads obtained through online lead generation.
• Providing detailed technical cultivation advice to growers, plant raisers, and distributors.
• Assisting in the collection of overdue accounts.
• Dealing promptly with potential complaints.
• Preparing sales planning and reporting progress to management.
• Uploading sales forecasts per variety, including modifications, with a view to production planning.
• Maintaining customer records using CRM systems.
• Issuing weekly reports on performed activities, sales opportunities in the area, and competitor activities.
• Organizing and following variety trials.
• Collecting feedback from clients regarding variety traits and preferences.
• Reporting on trials and indicating commercial opportunities.
• Participating in local crop meetings and contributing input related to the area and crops.
• Co-organizing local demo days and actively participating in field days, exhibitions, and seminars.
• Actively contributing to the company’s presence on online marketing channels.
• Collaborating in drafting online content, leaflets, catalogues, newsletters, and advertising by providing input.
• Gathering market information about the area, clients, and crops.
• Proactively contributing to and communicating about the development of digital services.
• Identifying digital needs of customers and translating these into internal development requests.
• Introducing new digital services and strategies to customers.
• Supporting customers in using digital services and making purchases.
• Aligning online and offline sales and marketing activities.
• Managing communication with relevant stakeholders.
• Ensuring that management and logistical departments are informed about sales progress and orders.
• Maintaining close contact with trial coordinators and crop specialists to stay informed about challenges and bottlenecks in crops under responsibility.