JOB SPECIFICATION:TECHNICAL SALES ASSOCIATE

 Job Title:Technical Sales Associate (new business development)

Qualification:Minimum requirement of undergraduate degree.Preference for BscAgric plant and soil science, horticultural science or agronomy.

Fluent in English and Afrikaans (verbal and written).

Experience:Minimum of 3 – 5 years of experience in technical agriculture role or technical B2B sales in the agricultural sector (seeds, inputs, stimulants, pesticide, fertiliser, nets, etc).

Start date:February 2020

Reporting to:Managing Director

Markets:Primary markets: Horticulture (peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes), Seedlings (forestry, fruits and horticulture), Cannabis (commercial and hobby market), Soft Fruit (strawberries and blueberries), and Floriculture.Additional markets as new products and services are launched.

Regions:Primary: National role servicing all provinces of South Africa; Secondary: Sales into Africa

Job Desc:The role of technical sales is a new business development role working across the markets highlighted above and engaging directly with key decision makers (ie. Owners and farm managers).The role requires an individual that is multi-skilled, self motivated, able to build strong relationships based on trust and technical growing knowledge, has basic financial acumen, and an ability to communicate clearly and work remotely.The individual will work closely with the group managing director on identifying prospects within each sector, conducting sales visits, events, pricing and marketing, while working with operations on managing the entire logistics process from order placement through to delivery.The role includes managing client debtors to ensure timely settlement of accounts as part of their key performance measures.

Requirements:Strong work ethic: Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of the job.

Willingness to travel as necessary, work the hours necessary to accomplish the job duties, work at the specific location required.

Skill in the operation of variety of computer software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Sales CRM.

Strong analytical skills to understand customer challenges and to work collaboratively to propose solutions.

Ability to connect and build rapport / relationships with internal and external customers at all levels.

Strong organizational skills, time management skills, and the ability to prioritize multiple projects / work streams.

Demonstrated ability in consultative and strategic selling techniques, including previous experience in articulating / presenting multiple products and services to executives both verbally and in writing.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate may be required to drive, stand, walk, and sit. The associate is frequently required to use hands to touch, handle, and feel, and to reach with hands and arms. The associate must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 15kg.

Key Tasks:Proactively identify, pursue, and maintain a constant pipeline of potential customers via prospecting, networking and referral activities.

With a thorough understanding of the customer’s business model and farming techniques, identify and propose products, provide pricing, communicate lead times and product delivery updates, product uses, and financing options.

Build relationships with customers by acting as a technical growing consultant, providing periodic reviews and advice to improve farm outcomes.

Responsible for servicing existing clients and managing customer relationships, as well as identify opportunities for customer growth in new geographic locations, new industries, or with additional products and services.

Communicate key learnings and opportunities for new products and growth from each customer interaction.

Regularly maintain CRM software following each engagement.

Embrace a culture of integrity and professionalism and utilize this value based selling methodology in all sales pursuits.