Senior Manager Hybrid Seed Market Development at African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)

Role purpose

• The Senior Hybrid Seed Market Development Manager is a professional responsible for leading and implementing strategies to assist licensed seed companies in Nigeria to drive the market development of biotechnology TELA hybrid maize seeds within the agricultural industry. This role involves a combination of sales, marketing, and business development skills, with a focus on helping seed companies to promote and expand their market presence with the TELA hybrid maize seeds in Nigeria.
• The Senior Hybrid Seed Market Development Manager is responsible for formulating and executing market development strategies for seed companies to promote and enhance their sales of TELA hybrid maize seeds. This role requires a deep understanding of the hybrid maize seed industry, market dynamics, and customer needs. The individual will work closely with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives and drive penetration of TELA hybrid maize seeds in the Nigerian market.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Market Analysis:

• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges in the hybrid maize seed industry.
• Analyze current market dynamics to help develop effective strategies for seed companies to implement their marketing and sales campaigns to drive demand and uptake of TELA hybrid maize seed.

Strategy Development:

• Formulate and implement market development strategies to improve market penetration of TELA hybrid maize seeds.
• Support seed companies to develop and implement biotech hybrid maize seed systems.

Sales and Business Development:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including seed companies, distributors, farmers, and agricultural organizations.
• Support seed companies to develop and execute their sales plans to achieve sales targets and expand their customer base.
• Conduct “GAP Analyses” to help the seed companies assess their capabilities for biotech hybrid maize seed production and commercialization.
• Guide seed companies on how to do their sales forecasting, production planning, and inventory management.

Promotion and Branding:

• Work closely with seed companies to create and implement their marketing campaigns to promote the TELA hybrid maize seeds.
• Work with the seed companies’ marketing teams to develop promotional materials, advertising, and events.

Training and Education:

• Provide training and support to seed companies’ sales teams, distributors, and customers on TELA hybrid maize seeds.
• Conduct educational programs to raise awareness and understanding of the TELA hybrid maize seeds.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with internal and external teams at ECOBasic and TELA partners such as research and development, production, and distribution to ensure seamless engagements with licensed seed companies to help them develop their product delivery and customer satisfaction strategies.

Corporate Competencies

• Strong advocacy and communication skills including effective public relations.
• proven social media sue skills and ability to use information technology effectively as a tool and resource.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to plan and prioritise work activities to meet TELA 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.
• Ability to write/edit good reports, impact stories and minutes of meetings.
• A good understanding of agricultural biotechnology social – political and regulatory environments
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with key constituents (donors, research institutions, media, government institutions, etc.)
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• High-level interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including ability to build alliances and collaborative relationships with sensitivity to diversity.
• Ability to maintain high standards of integrity; establish straightforward, productive relationships; treating individuals with fairness and respect.

Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in agriculture, business, marketing, or a related field.

Experience

• 10-15 years of relevant experience in the hybrid seed industry as a commercial lead.
• Proven experience in hybrid seed industry sales, marketing, or business development.
• Strong private sector experience is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of farming systems, agricultural practices, and hybrid maize seed market trends.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Analytical skills for market research and strategy development.
• Proven record of achieving sales targets and driving market growth.