Business Development Manager - Zambia

Advanta Seeds is a global leader in plant genetics, with a presence spanning Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, North America, and Europe. A subsidiary of UPL Limited, one of the world’s top five agribusiness companies, Advanta is part of a $5 billion multinational conglomerate. The company holds a prominent global position in sorghum (grain, forage, and sweet varieties) and regional leadership in hybrid sunflower, canola, rice, sweet corn, fodder crops, and vegetables.

Advanta is committed to delivering value to farmers by enhancing their yields. It uniquely blends cutting-edge scientific innovation with traditional values. The company’s strong network of technological collaborations and proprietary expertise has established it as a market leader in key crops. With operations in over 80 countries worldwide, Advanta prides itself on being a global company with a local presence. In Africa, the company operates in over 30 countries, working through various stages from product testing and registration to the commercial sale of seeds, always aiming to meet farmers' needs.

About the role

Advanta is seeking a well-rounded, experienced Business Development Manager combining a very strong commercial and technical background to grow their portfolio of agricultural products.

Reporting to the Sub-Regional Head – Africa & Middle East, the incumbent must have a love for building value for farmers, while also being comfortable building the business of Advanta and interacting with a wide range of stakeholders. This is an exceptional individual with a proven track record in developing new business, selling business value, interacting with channel partners, leading in trials and registration of products with the relevant government agencies whilst simultaneously working with Executive leads, Governments, and functional practitioners.

Key dimensions of the role

1. Regional Agricultural Business Expertise: The role demands over a decade of experience in business or sales within the agriculture sector, with a focus on the East & Central Africa region, ensuring deep knowledge of local markets and industry challenges.
2. Seed Industry and Distribution Development: Expertise in the seed industry is essential, including a proven ability to establish and significantly scale distribution networks from the ground up, driving business growth.
3. Government and Executive Relations: The role involves frequent interaction with government officials at all levels, as well as C-suite executives, requiring advanced communication skills and an understanding of governmental and corporate structures.
4. Rural Agricultural Engagement: Practical experience working in rural agricultural environments is key, with a strong ability to foster relationships across diverse sectors and disciplines, contributing to community engagement and sustainable development.
5. Sales Performance Management: This role requires comfort working within a target-driven environment, managing sales goals and driving performance to meet or exceed expectations.

Skills and experience

• Research, prepare and execute a sales plan focused on delivering new and recurring revenue for both Field Crops and Vegetable Crops through partnerships with agro-input companies and the public and private sector in the geographies of Kenya and Uganda and the neighbouring Countries.
• Develop and manage the distribution channels for Advanta products in the geographies leveraging strengths of UPL/Arysta in the region.
• Work closely with the TD team in the registration of Advanta products in line with the regulatory requirements of Kenya and the anchor countries.
• Think strategically about which accounts to target and come up with creative solutions to get customers to engage. You are expected to qualify opportunities, know which deals to work on, and which ones to pass on.
• Be an outstanding external spokesperson for the company, its values and products. You will have the authority to prepare as well as negotiate commercial proposals.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Millar Cameron, we are dedicated to supporting our clients in building and supporting diverse and inclusive workplaces and culture, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Since 2007 Millar Cameron has specialised in sourcing leadership and keyperson talent across a number of industries, including agribusiness, international development, industrial, consumer, financial and professional services, private equity, and technology, media and telecommunications. Our mission and purpose is to positively contribute to the development of Africa, and other emerging markets, through the provision of people.