Technical Sales Manager

AECI Plant Health is seeking a Technical Sales Manager for the Western Freestate Region.

The Technical Sales Manager is responsible for driving profitable regional sales growth through effective leadership of Crop Advisors, delivery of high-quality technical support, and implementation of sound sales and crop management strategies. The role integrates sales execution, technical expertise, and customer relationship management to expand market presence and achieve budgeted targets. The role also acts as the technical and commercial custodian of the company’s product portfolio within the region, ensuring responsible, compliant, and sustainable product use.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales & Business Growth

• Develop and execute regional sales strategies aligned with company objectives.

• Achieve sales forecasts, budgets, and margin targets.

• Continuously analyse market, climatic, regulatory, and crop production trends impacting demand.

• Identify and develop new market opportunities, crops, channels, and customer segments.

• Support pricing, product positioning, product launch initiatives, and demand planning.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

2. Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of Crop Advisors.

• Set sales targets, allocate territories, and monitor performance.

• Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and support succession planning.

• Ensure consistent use of approved sales tools and selling methodologies.

3. Technical & Agronomic Support

• Provide proactive, solution-driven agronomic and technical support.

• Develop and monitor spray programmes aligned with label, MRL, IPM, and resistance management principles.

• Conduct regular field visits, crop inspections, and corrective recommendations.

• Plan and manage strategic trials with Portfolio Managers.

• Remain current on new technologies, actives, and regulatory developments.

4. Training & Knowledge Development

• Deliver technical training on products, crop programmes, and SHEQ requirements.

• Facilitate workshops, field days, and customer training events.

• Contribute to internal technical knowledge sharing and national training initiatives.

5. Customer Claims & Risk Management

• Investigate complaints and claims per company procedures.

• Coordinate with suppliers and stakeholders to resolve issues effectively.

• Promote responsible product stewardship to minimise risk.

6. Reporting, Budgeting & Compliance

• Monitor sales performance, forecasting, and market intelligence.

• Manage regional budgets, expenses, and resources.

• Ensure compliance with legal, industry, SHEQ, CropLife, and AVCASA standards.

• Maintain accurate CRM and reporting systems.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with BSc in Agriculture / Natural Sciences or equivalent.

• AVCASA / CropLife SA Basic Crop Protection accreditation.

• Postgraduate or specialised agronomic training advantageous.

Experience & Skills

• Minimum 5 years’ agrochemical sales experience.

• Demonstrated sales leadership or management exposure preferred.

• Strong commercial, analytical, and customer relationship skills.

• Experience in distributor, dealer, or channel-based sales models advantageous.

Competencies

• Leadership and people development

• Strategic and commercial thinking

• Customer focus and problem solving

• Effective communication and reporting

• Integrity and professional credibility

Other

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transport.

• Proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems.

• Willingness to travel and work extended hours during peak seasons.

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