Managing Director at African Agricultural Technology Foundation

Job Overview:

• Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director will oversee and manage all business operations, people, and initiatives of QBS. The Managing Director will be responsible for the overall success of the business and assume full accountability to the Board for all company operations.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Business Strategy

• Work closely with the Board, provide leadership in developing the Vision, Mission and strategic direction for the Company.
• Articulate and secure buy in of the Company’s vision, mission, and strategic direction across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead the implementation of the Company’s strategy.
• Formulate and implement market development strategies to improve market penetration of foundation maize seeds.
• Develop and implement a strategic growth and operational plan to achieve overall revenue and volume targets in the different countries as set out by the Board.

Financial

• Manage the P&L - deliver financial targets (e.g., net sales, gross profit, EBIT)
• Implement an effective credit management strategy to support the sustainable growth of the business.
• Lead and be accountable for business planning (including the strategic plan), forecasting, and budgeting processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including seed companies, distributors, farmers, and agricultural organizations.
• Have overall accountability for QBS brand positioning and delivery, including sales and customer growth relations.

People Management.

• Lead a multifunctional team in developing and executing appropriate go-to-market approaches to achieve complementary commercial and social goals.
• Attract, develop, manage, lead, and inspire a team to ensure consistent high performance, growth and retention of talent, and succession planning for key leadership and high impact roles.
• Facilitate the engagement and provision of high-quality results and services of the team by offering technical support in work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.

Stakeholder Management.

• Build effective relationships, maintain trust and partnerships with key institutions and organisations (regulators, finance, industry associations and other partners & stakeholders) and seed companies in the Sub-Sahara Africa region to ensure collaboration and leveraging of the QBS mandate and capabilities.
• Manage the preparation of investment related materials and ultimately ensure an effective interaction with shareholders.

Risk and Compliance

• Serve as the custodian of company policies and lead in ensuring compliance to all business and related risk management measures.
• Measure and leverage data-driven competitive and market information (competition actions, market trends, satisfaction levels, commercial acceptance, and regulatory issues).

Competencies

• Strong advocacy and communication skills including effective public relations.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to plan and prioritise work activities to meet QBS goals and objectives.
• Strong diplomatic and negotiation skills and nimble to changing environments and relationships.
• Good networking skills and ability to build and sustain relationships with key partners.
• A good understanding of agricultural sector, social, political, and regulatory environments

Requirements

• Degree in agriculture, business, marketing, or a related field.
• Strong private sector experience.
• Communication, negotiation, and presentation at multiple levels.
• Leadership and motivation of cross-functional teams.
• Analytical skills of market research and demonstration of strategy development.
• Proven record of achieving business targets and driving market growth.
• Strong understanding of farming systems, agricultural practices, and hybrid maize seed market trends.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and delivering against strategic and business plans.
• Substantial experience of, leading, motivating and supporting an ambitious and high-performing team, and of managing senior staff.
• Ten (10) years of progressive, senior level experience in business management/administration gained in a reputable national or international organization.
• In-depth knowledge of the seed industry, in particular Maize seed and associated seed companies, in Sub-Sahara Africa.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance measures.
• Demonstrated organizational and leadership experience.