Key Account Manager - Export Vegetables & Biologicals- East Africa

Role Purpose

• To achieve Export Vegs segment & Biologicals sales targets by managing assigned accounts, in accordance with the BA strategy and objectives
• To strongly contribute to the development of a Biologicals Marketing strategy in Kenya, defining potential for Syngenta Bio products & Valagro portfolio and timeline to launch the Bio portfolio.
• To contribute to the definition of the new Syngenta Biologicals Operating model, in view of the integration of Valagro (especially GTM & Channel strategy).
• To implement the agreed strategy, monitoring effectiveness and adjusting strategy as required.
• To contribute to the development of the overall strategy as a leader of the Kenyan sales organization.
• Work closely with other functions – Marketing, Commercial Ops, CPD, Finance, to ensure perfect alignment in the business delivery.

As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter these threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs. Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting.  From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat and cold.

Accountabilities 

• To assume responsibility for realizing the required growth of the Export Vegs segment & Biologicals business in Kenya, with due  consideration/assessment/management of all (financial) risks involved.
• To develop Key Account plans, which details activities to follow during the year & to regularly update it.
• To implement sales & budget plans and ensure that targeted market share is achieved in your segment. 
• To work hands-in hands with Commercial Operations & Marketing teams on the definition of our Biologicals marketing strategy and the future Syngenta Biologicals Operating model.
• To develop a deep biologicals expertise and support the rest of the Kenya team on Biologicals when required (be the local Biologicals sales champion).
• To collaborate with Commercial Operations team on customers’ targeting within your segment and sales tracking.
• To fully understand key competitor offers & adjust strategy accordingly
• To manage distributors’ relationships, gaining a deeper understanding of their business and needs to develop customized value offers that build a successful & sustainable business partnership.
• To maintain accurate records on SFDC of all sales and prospecting activities including sales calls, presentations, and follow-up activities within the assigned territory.
• Works in compliance with commercial policy of the country, HSE requirements, local legislation and competition law.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Critical Experience and Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of the Eastern Africa agricultural sales environment, sales techniques and approaches.
• Strong people management and leadership skills.
• Language skills - must have excellent language skills of Swahili and English.
• Key sales management skills; strong understanding of customer needs, structure and business drivers.
• Understanding of the agricultural competitive environment.
• Education level of undergraduate in BSc. Agriculture as a minimum.

Critical Leadership Capabilities and Skills

• Sets ambitious business goals and demonstrates a high degree of ownership of agreed goals.
• Communicates with impact.
• Manages for performance and demonstrates a high degree of ownership.
• Strategic thinking and a good team player.
• Leadership – ability to lead, coach, drive and motivate individuals, teams and customers.
• Business delivery orientation.
• Develops people, organization and self.
• Focuses on customers.