Regional Technical Marketing Advisor : Limpopo & Lowveld

Regional Technical Marketing Advisor : Limpopo & Lowveld

Job Id: 10818

Location: Durban, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Department: Marketing

Function: Marketing

Employee Type: Permanent Full Time

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level

Role Summary

UPL South Africa is a leading company in the agricultural inputs industry. We have an exciting opportunity for a Regional Technical and Marketing Advisor in the Limpopo & Lowveld region of South Africa. The main focus of this role will be to drive and execute the business support initiatives as well as technical support that will contribute to reaching the region's allocated financial targets with specific focus on NPP (Natural Plant Protection) products that include BioSolutions, biologicals and nutrition, UPL digital solutions, as well as UPL’s core crop protection portfolio, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, to Distributors and field representatives.

Be responsible for driving the strategic agenda of UPL locally as well as globally in accordance with marketing strategic direction. Coordinate and plan strategy for the allocated region in conjunction with the regional UPL Business manager.

Primary - Role Responsibilities

• Offer technical service to the Distributor and Distributor representatives, and create marketing opportunities to drive marketing and sales, in conjunction with the UPL regional Business Manager, to achieve allocated financial targets.
• Drive business support initiatives to reach budget in the region on all portfolios.
• Contribute to training programs and product presentations for UPL sales team, distributors, and agents.
• Contribute to demonstration trials plan definition and drive trial implementation in the region.
• Execute demonstrations, collect, and present data from demonstration trials.
• Contribute to key account approach development and customer database with key promotion activities.
• Conduct commercial trial work on all new remedies and crop monitoring systems.
• Develop, maintain, and advance digital crop monitoring systems and programs within the company strategic plan (Satellite, drones, weather stations, etc.).
• Contribute to agent service and technical support.
• Utilize relevant commercial and/or demonstration trial locations as marketing/demo days.
• All the above in full coordination with the Regional Business Manager.

Secondary - Business Development and Portfolio Management

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the markets and agricultural products.
• Contribute to portfolio positioning strategy and continuous improvement in terms of value proposition statement.
• Contribute to product training presentations and promotional materials.
• Contribute to product launch planning and drive execution in the region.
• Identify and suggest new market opportunities for future portfolio strategy.
• Contribute to product pricing strategy including competitive analysis and differentiation in the region.
• Make recommendations on continuous improvement of current labels.
• Identify new uses for current products.
• Create content for marketing activities such as social media, brochures, trial results booklets, digital platforms, etc.

Internal Stakeholders

• Liaise with Commercial, Development, and Marketing on new product launches, technical training, focus products, marketing activities, demonstrations, and field events, etc.

External Stakeholders

• Farmers
• Researchers and industry specialists

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required

• 5 years’ experience in the crop protection industry in marketing and business development positions.
• BSc Degree or Diploma in Agriculture. BASOS and AVCASA certified.
• If not BASOS and AVCASA certified, will be required to successfully obtain certification within the first year of service.
• Good business/market intelligence and excellent technical skills regarding marketing tools and strategies.
• Broad knowledge of the agrochemical and Ag input business with good industry credibility and value chain expertise.
• Broad knowledge of crop cultivating and production methods.
• Good technical understanding of bio-stimulants and innovative nutrition and key competitors in the market.
• General knowledge of the market and regulatory processes.
• Financial acumen with the ability to understand basic financial principles.

Behavioural Skills Requirement

• Must be able to liaise independently with various customers and stakeholders.
• Must be able to work closely with Distributors and their representatives.
• Be part of the UPL team and willing to add value to broader country initiatives.
• Must be willing to travel and attend workshops, meetings, etc. when needed.

UPL COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability & Resilience

Recognizes and is open to changing circumstances and alters behavior as necessary; increases personal awareness and appreciation of individual and cultural differences to create an open, inclusive, and accepting workplace.

Has a creative mindset and ability to think holistically, takes calculated risks, and maximizes opportunities.

• Results Orientation

Takes action, pursues goals with persistence, and achieves results; communicates goals and vision to the team to drive enthusiasm and ambition.

Enhances the speed of execution and builds efficiency in processes, systems, and people; has a sharp focus on quality-orientation.

• Strategic Orientation

Demonstrates knowledge of the social, economic, and environmental factors and how they impact the business. Identifies key issues that could impact the business and develops strategy through an analytical lens/design thinking.

• Building Teams and Talent

Empowers colleagues through knowledge sharing and delegation, quickly establishing rapport; provides recognition for achievements and accomplishments.

• Customer Centricity

Understands customer needs and pain points, fulfilling needs and expectations by focusing on creating value for customers.