Employer: Plennegy (Pty) Ltd Introduction: Starke Ayres is the foremost African specialist and global supplier of premium vegetable, flower and lawn seed varieties – both for commercial and home garden planting. The following position has become available for an Africa Product Development Manager, based in Kempton Park. Description: Starke Ayres is the foremost African specialist and global supplier of premium vegetable, flower and lawn seed varieties – both for commercial and home garden planting. The following position has become available for an Africa Product Development Manager, based in Kempton Park. Purpose: To develop, manage, and optimise Starke Ayres’ seed product portfolio across African markets by leading product development, regional adaptation, and go-to-market enablement, in alignment with company strategy and policies, to support sustainable growth and long-term market success. RESPONSIBILITIES: + Evaluates Starke Ayres’ seed product range, on an on-going basis and identifies actual and potential weaknesses. Recommends new cultivar introductions to and deletions from the product range. + Liaises with Research Services / Suppliers in the identification of new, improved cultivars for testing and evaluation. + Foster good relationships with plant breeders and suppliers and advise on customer / industry requirements and trends to assist with assessing the viability of products in local and International Breeding programmes. + Monitor National Unit Budgets and stock planning for the portfolio + Manage and co-ordinate the receipt of trial seed and allocation thereof for trials in the various regions. + Plan and oversee the planting and evaluation of screening and phase 2 trials at strategic regions and customers (as identified in conjuction with the sales teams) and present the final results and recommendations at Range planning meetings. + Conducts co-operative cultivar demonstrations and evaluates new potential cultivars. + Supplies comprehensive written product information necessary for the formulation of an effective promotion, advertising and product support programme and participates actively in the planning and implementation of such a programme. + Liaises with the National Operations Department with regard to seed quality matters. Requirements: REQUIREMENTS: Qualification + Grade 12 (essential) + B Agric (essential) + BSc Agric (ideal) Experience + 5-10 Years sales/marketing (essential) + Agronomy experience (essential) Other + Valid drivers license + Extensive travel out of South Africa