Business Development Lead at Syngenta

Role Purpose

In this role you will lead the deep dive, scoping, quantification of the opportunity of a new end to end business model, hereby referred to as the Modern Agricultural Platform (MAP) With the following components:

• Working with grain growers in the North Rift Maize and positioning soil health agenda and rotational crop practices to drive yield enhancement in maize.
• Scoping potential of farmer segment to incorporate oil crops (sunflower and canola) as a rotational crop supplying into an oil crop value chain system managed by a reputable off-taker.
• Designing a Proof of Concept in the region to test the business viability of MAP.

Accountabilities

• Develop detailed operational plans, with KPIs and milestones, ensuring line management approval and providing regular updates of progress.
• Lead and drive successful implementation of first pilots with local team, growers & key customer.
• Responsible for the operation and management of our first technical service centers.
• Build strategic partnerships with input partners, mechanization partners, banks, insurers & tech companies to offer a comprehensive solution to our growers.
• Build strong connections with all layers of local government & other stakeholders.
• Build up local network of value chain actors to identify & convince future customers.
• Stay close from the field & local entrepreneurs, to continuously evaluate opportunities.
• Manage a growing team, composed of agronomists & engagement managers, giving them clear direction and support when needed.
• Manage budget and report financials, defining resources needed to keep growing the program.
• Ensure all aspects of the new model set-up are conducted in fully compliant manner.
• Work closely with the customers to plan required crop volumes, implementing end to end operational efficiencies replicable at scale (SOP”S).

Qualification, Knowledge , Experience and Capabilities

• Previous experience in Consulting (e.g. BIG4), Investment (e.g. Venture Capital) or food value chain companies is a strong plus.
• International work experience structuring commodity value chains is a strong plus.
• Previous experience in crop Agronomy - Knowledge of agribusiness markets, crop value chains and experience dealing with growers is a plus.
• Out-of the box thinker who actively engages with surrounding environment with proven experience of designing concepts and executing.
• Self-starter who can lead the project and orchestrate its must-haves on the ground.
• Business acumen is a must –need to be able to map commercial opportunities and monetization points in the MAP Model .
• Strong entrepreneurial spirit, with an appetite for innovation & new technologies
• Operational experience managing end to end value chain agronomical projects
• Working knowledge of the governance processes of AMCOS and Farmer Cooperatives is a plus
• Proven track record of developing/running businesses in complex and demanding environments,
• Negotiation & motivational skills, with the ability to influence within and beyond the organization,
• Record of successful management of people & multiple stakeholders,
• Strong team player with outstanding communication skills,
• Great prioritization skills in fast moving environment & ability to work independently.
• Conversant in developing and monitoring farmer P&L’s,
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Versatile and ability to meet strict deadlines.

Additional Qualifications:

• We are looking for business/finance profile with preferable experience in Agriculture with over 5 years experience.
• Ability to drive with more than 3-year driving experience in remote set-ups.
• Ability to interact with diverse stakeholders and professionals in a multi-cultural context, including high-level government and private sector officials.
• Dedicated and highly motivated professional, with a strong spirit for teamwork and sense of initiative.