Advanta India Limited, a leading seed company in India with Global foot prints committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. We requires Business Development Manager – West Africa.

JOB PURPOSE

• To conduct hybrid performance trials independently and in collaboration with State (Govt.) agencies for hybrid registration, identify suitable hybrids for the region , based on the performance parameters, lay out large scale product demonstrations to create the product visibility, keep constant update on the market trends (crop/hybrid requirements & behavior), competition assessments and the customer requirements. Also keep update on the technology requirements, policies and implementation.
• This position is supposed to rapidly evolve (2-5 years) towards a higher position of regional marketing and sales manager, therefore proposes to candidates a high level of challenge and promising perspectives.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Identification of the potential market segments and suitable hybrids for testing the segment fitness & performance in comparison with the local popular check hybrids/varieties
• Preparation of product development plan including the location, trials type( RBD, Strip, Demo), indenting for the trial seed in consultation with the respective crop breeder/lead & the PD coordinator, arranging for the import of the trial seed in to the region with necessary documentation, carrying out the trials and recording the observations based on the set parameters, analysis of data and presentation to the management for making advancement and release decisions.
• Effectively liaise with the local Govt. agency to conduct registration trials and obtain the hybrid registrations with all necessary documentation to result in release of the hybrid(s) for commercial sales.
• Provide periodical update on the competitor activity, technology development / requirement, scout for possible collaborations for early product screening with Govt. agency & involve in assessments of the licensed products or products emerging out of joint hybrid development.
• Maintain regular contacts with the farmers/customers to get necessary feed back on the product performance, attend to customer concerns & provide technical support during customer awareness training/meetings
• Plan, propose, get the PD budget approved (inclusive of the expenses towards fixed costs & research trials (in consultation with PD Coord.) . Registration trial budgets in consultation with RBM. Accountable for effective & efficient management of budgets.
• Responsible for collation & communication of trial data, effective team Development & management, with equal responsibility towards the Safety, health & environment.

KEY CHALLENGES
 

• Absolute product / hybrid stewardship, Product Portfolio Management for the region, Maintenance of accurate and current data base, liaison with hybrid registration authorities & Agencies, Product advancement & release , trial seed material logistics, budget controls, people development & SH&E.

SKILLS

• Planning & analytical
• Interpersonal & Communication
• Leadership, autonomy
• Customer management
• Market and customer orientation
• Networking skills

BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATION

• Basic degree in Agriculture with PG in Plant breeding / genetics
• Three to five years of experience in organizing and managing PD activities
• Experience of handling sunflower, sorghum, corn, canola crops
• Experience in handling registration formalities & liaison with Govt. agencies preferable. Candidate need to be a good team player & fluent in English and French.

Candidates meeting the above requirements may please apply within ten days to careers@advantaseeds.com