Product Manager at CFAO Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

The Product Manager is the technical specialist of the company. He acts as the interface between commercial team and R&D and manages the portfolio.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB

• Supports commercial and market development strategies. Participates in market studies to support decisions about portfolio development.
• Manages product portfolio. Decides product positioning suitable with local agronomic practices for the best efficacy of Timac’s products. Design product composition to meet plant requirements and fit local conditions.
• Follows-up demonstration and scientific trials, in collaboration with research institutes / universities / etc. Collects and consolidates results in order to use them for commercial (or other) purposes
• Supports commercial team by providing technical support, defines strong sales arguments / value propositions, provides appropriate communication supports, etc.
• Trains commercial team on products, crops, agronomy, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

(Minimum level of academic and professional qualification required to perform effectively in the role)

• BSc Agricultural Studies or any other related fields
• At least 6 to 10-year experience in the agriculture sector, especially in horticulture (fruits & vegetables, flower production)
• Experience in specialty plant nutrition is preferred, but not mandatory if the candidate has significant experience in crop husbandry (input sector, production, irrigation, seed, etc.), in a technical position
• Previous experience in a commercial organization is mandatory.

COMPETENCIES

Technical

• Good synthesis capabilities. Able to “translate” technical properties of a product into information easily understandable by end users, and select information adapted to their needs. Interface between sciences and sales
• Good communication and networking skills. The PM will work closely with stakeholders from various background, internally (commercial team, product development team in CMI) and externally (research institutes, universities, regulatory authorities)
• Able to lead project over long time period, from project selection (for example new product selection) to implementation (product launch). Visionary with good strategic thinking, able to consider middle or long-term variables that will impact future of the company
• Marketing knowledge is appreciated, as the PM will oversee building-up value propositions, clear and indestructible argumentation about products, define product positioning, etc.
• Excellent pedagogical skills for adults: the PM will lead technical teaching and training sessions (product & crop training, agronomy, etc.). Able to use various teaching support with confidence

Behavioural

• Eager to learn
• Passionate about agriculture sector
• Solution/customer oriented
• Meticulous
• Innovative
• Technical
• Visionary
• Skillful