Job Purpose
The Agriculture Business Developer is responsible for identifying, developing, and growing business opportunities within the agricultural sector. The role focuses on promoting and selling Plastic Packaging’s agricultural packaging solutions, including woven polypropylene bags, bulk bags (FIBCs), liners, and other specialised packaging products used in farming, feed, fertiliser, grain, seed, and related agricultural industries.The incumbent will build strong relationships with agricultural producers, cooperatives, distributors, and agribusinesses throughout Namibia and neighbouring markets while contributing to revenue growth, customer retention, and market expansion.
Key Responsibilities
1. Business Development & Sales
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the agricultural sector.
- Develop and implement strategic sales plans to grow agricultural market share.
- Generate new leads through networking, market visits, industry events, and referrals.
- Prepare and deliver professional product presentations and proposals.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and supply agreements within approved company guidelines.
- Achieve monthly and annual sales and profitability targets.
2. Customer Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with commercial farmers, agricultural suppliers, cooperatives, feed manufacturers, grain handlers, fertiliser companies, seed distributors, and exporters.
- Conduct regular customer visits to understand operational requirements and packaging needs.
- Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and timely resolution of customer concerns.
- Identify opportunities for product improvements based on customer feedback.
3. Market Research & Product Development
- Monitor agricultural market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments.
- Identify emerging packaging requirements within the farming and agribusiness sectors.
- Collaborate with production, technical, and quality teams to develop customer-focused solutions.
- Recommend new products and business opportunities aligned with market demand.
4. Account Management
- Manage key agricultural accounts and develop long-term business relationships.
- Maintain accurate sales forecasts and pipeline reports.
- Track customer performance, sales volumes, and profitability.
- Ensure effective follow-up on quotations and tenders.
5. Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with production planning, logistics, procurement, and customer service teams.
- Ensure customer orders are fulfilled according to agreed specifications and delivery schedules.
- Support the collection of outstanding accounts where necessary.
6. Reporting
- Prepare weekly and monthly sales reports.
- Monitor sales performance against targets.
- Maintain accurate customer records within the company’s CRM systems.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Marketing, Business Management, Sales, or a related field.
- Additional sales or business development qualification will be advantageous.
Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in sales, business development, or account management.
- Experience in the agricultural sector is essential.
- Experience within packaging, manufacturing, fertiliser, seed, grain, animal feed, or related industries will be advantageous.
Knowledge
- Strong understanding of Namibia’s agricultural industry.
- Knowledge of crop production, livestock operations, grain handling, and agricultural supply chains.
- Understanding of industrial and agricultural packaging products.
Required Competencies
Technical Competencies
- Business development and sales management
- Contract negotiation skills
- Market analysis and forecasting
- Customer relationship management
- Financial and commercial acumen
Behavioural Competencies
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong networking and relationship-building ability
- Results-oriented and self-driven
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- High level of professionalism and integrity
- Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Annual sales revenue generated from agricultural accounts
- New customer acquisitions
- Retention and growth of existing accounts
- Gross profit margin achieved
- Conversion rate of quotations to orders
- Customer satisfaction levels
- Market share growth within targeted agricultural sectors
Working Conditions
- Frequent travel throughout Namibia and occasional travel to neighbouring countries.
- Regular customer site visits to farms, processing facilities, and agricultural businesses.
- Participation in agricultural exhibitions, trade shows, and industry events.
Optional Closing Section for the Vacancy
If you want to make it look more like a standard job advert, you can add:
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV, cover letter, and certified copies of qualifications to [insert email address] by [insert closing date].
Note:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.