Business Manager
Business / Sales Manager – Crop Protection & Biologicals, ESCA
Purpose:
This role is responsible for delivering high-quality service and building strong relationships with key business partners through effective communication of customer needs and requirements. The incumbent will drive sales execution and delivery of plans for a defined portfolio within an assigned territory, while developing and implementing proactive account plans aligned with the Cluster Business Strategy. The role also ensures alignment across account management, distribution, retail execution, and inventory management.
The role is accountable for delivering financial targets and managing the P&L for the ESCA Crop Protection & Biologicals business.
The Business / Sales Manager reports to the MNEWA Cluster Leader.
This position is based in the Corteva Nairobi, Kenya office and is accountable for the ESCA Crop Protection & Biologicals business.
Supervision / Reports:
Key Account Manager, Territory Sales Representatives and Biologicals Development Manager.
Interaction:
Works closely with the Cluster Lead, Marketing, BDM, FS, Regulatory, Agronomy, Sales Excellence, Customer Service, Finance, Credit, Supply Chain, Stewardship, and other cross-functional teams.
Skills & Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Business Management, or a related field, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in agriculture or a sales-oriented organization. An MBA or related master’s degree is an added advantage.
Strong background or experience in the agriculture sector, with well-developed interpersonal skills and solid knowledge of sales and marketing, including selling, negotiation, communication, product positioning, demand generation and fulfillment, and campaign management. Good understanding of the Crop Protection & Biologicals market, with strong leadership through influence, sound execution capability, strategic thinking, innovation, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Extensive experience in an autonomous sales and marketing role, with strong business acumen and proven communication and relationship-building skills.
Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision.
Fluent in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the commercial management of key accounts and ensure alignment with the overall business strategy, including inventory management and third-party warehousing support.
Set realistic and appropriate sales forecasts and targets, while responding effectively to market dynamics.
Identify, anticipate, and resolve customer challenges proactively to create business opportunities and drive revenue growth.
Demonstrate sales excellence and inspire high performance across the team.
Deliver sales goals and objectives within the assigned territory in line with business strategies and marketing plans.
Maintain effective communication and collaboration with dealerships, internal teams, and leadership.
Understand customer needs and identify opportunities to maximize market share and profitability.
Work closely with the Cluster Lead and Marketing team to drive sustainable business growth.
Implement the commercial policy in line with marketing and governance guidelines to support growth and compliance.
Partner with business stakeholders to align sales and marketing action plans and key account management activities with agricultural campaign priorities and seasonality.
Measurement of Success
Delivery of sales plan targets, including revenue, margin, pricing, and profitability.
Business growth and delivery of planned financial results, with pricing managed effectively in line with marketing guidance and approvals.
Design, implementation, and tracking of sales plans.
Annual or periodic review and execution of partner agreements, business plans, and TSR territory plans, depending on business needs.
Up-to-date documentation plans that support execution and deliver target revenue, profitability growth, and market share expansion.
Delivery of planned financial results across revenue, volume, price, and inventory management, while operating within the approved budget.
Regular updates on business performance and market intelligence to keep leadership informed, including monthly reports and T&E reporting.
Alignment on demand fulfillment and demand generation plans to support successful execution, including product launches and product life cycle management.
Strong forecast accuracy and effective inventory management.
Identification and development of skills, competencies, and behaviors within the team and direct reports.
Full compliance with commercial policies, company processes, ethics, and safety standards.
Who Are We Looking For?
· Curious, bold thinkers who want to grow their careers and be part of a winning team
· Market shaping individuals who want to transform the agriculture industry to meet the world’s growing need for food
· Collaborators who thrive in a diverse, inclusive work environment
· Innovators who bring initiative and fresh ideas that drive our business into the future and make us an industry leader
Growing What Matters Starts With You… What We Can Offer To Help You Grow?
· Opportunity to be part of a global industry leader working to discover solutions to the most pressing
agricultural challenges of our time
· Challenging work assignments that grow your skills, capabilities and experiences
· Opportunities for international rotations and relocation that will expand your global view and cultural experience
· Diverse, inclusive work environment where employees bring their whole selves to work and feel heard, valued and empowered
· Dedicated and customized resources to help grow your professional skills, industry expertise and personal perspectives.
· Joining us is a natural opportunity to strengthen your professional network through valuable relationships.
· Support the health and well-being of every employee by offering world-class benefits, meaningful work and competitive salary
· Performance driven culture with a strong focus on speed, efficiency and agility
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Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.