Area Manager – Agriculture, Durban KZN - Ref: 759020-38

Our client is a recognized global leader; a South African distributor of Global Premium Brands (new and used equipment) in the Agriculture, Mineral Processing, Earth Moving and Materials Handling Industries offering multiple career advancement opportunities.
They currently have a vacancy for an Area Manager – Agriculture to be responsible for area distribution sales and business development management for a well-known Agricultural Product Line.

The successful incumbent will hold a relevant degree together with 5 years’ experience in a similar role.

Job Description
Whole sales, parts and service delivery through independent area dealer operations per scorecard ratio measures.
Management of gross profit, productivity and efficiencies per scorecard ratio measures.
Coordination of service, warranty, technical support and product training.
Area business development and profitable market share growth in tractor, combine, baler, hay making and implement market segments.
Management of dealer and customer relationships and interaction relating to products, pricing, marketing, service and reporting.
Dealer development to ensure minimum authorized dealer standards and procedure compliance.
Participate in development of an area unit forecast and annual business plan from market analysis and strategic plan insights.
Participate in development of revised business plans and focused corrective action plans quarterly.
Maintain area market intelligence, determine dealers and customer needs, trends and identify strategic opportunities, challenges, risks and threats.
Manage area implementation of company strategies, growth initiatives, pre-season whole sales, parts & service promotions.
Development of dealer objectives, scorecards, work plans, marketing, advertising, sales activities and skills development plans.
Compile and qualify monthly area lead generation, prospect lists and sales forecasts.
Manage and drive prospects to sales conversion efforts, order placement and sales administration process, maintain accurate records and ensure procedure compliance.
Coordinate key sales events, exhibitions, promotions and customer information events.
Communicate monthly pricelists and manage promotion campaigns to drive stock turns.
Perform monthly area consignment stock verifications, report equipment hours, shortages, discrepancies, damages and manage corrective action plans. Two full stock counts per annum required per plan.
Manage area display stock & transport planning, consignment stock ageing and debtors to ensure a steady supply pipeline, account credit limits and working capital to support growth strategies.
Coordinate and participate in dealer performance reviews, implement and drive corrective and development action plans.
Manage the area dealer development process and perform CPA audits and assessments for sales and service partners with signed contracts.
Coordinate quarterly dealer business reviews and compile dealer business review presentations per business cycle schedules.
Manage key customer relationships and perform scheduled visits.
Interact with head office department managers to strengthen relationships and improve efficiencies.
Develop a high performance area dealer distribution network and ensure territory coverage.
Ensure dealer distribution compliance to safety regulations, company policies and procedures.

Country: South Africa
Location: Durban, KZN

Job Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

Qualifications:
A relevant degree

Experience:
5+ Years working experience
Agriculture industry, market segment and network distribution management experience
Mechanisation equipment application experience
Technical sales management and key account management experience.

Competencies:
Commercial understanding & financial acumen
Product & technical sales knowledge
Report writing & presentation skills
Business planning & management skills
Computer literacy
System & program knowledge / use
Self-motivated
Innovative & assertive
Passion for brand and product
Passion for customer service excellence
Attention to detail and follow-up on deadlines
Good people, oral and written communication skills
Commands respect and engenders trust
Sound influence, flexibility and intelligence
Ability to deal with ambiguity
Hands-on management style
Operational and process oriented
Focused on business results
Focused on continuous improvement

Company Description

South African Distributor of Global Premium Brands in the Agriculture, Mineral Processing, Earthmoving, Materials Handling Industries.

An ability to develop and grow businesses in multiple geographies including challenging territories with high growth prospects. Committed to sustainable development and playing a leading role in empowerment and transformation. The company has operations globally.

Their success is based on inspired, aligned, empowered, results-driven, globally competitive, passionate people who create value through strategic innovation and continuous improvement. Their customers are more successful with them than with their competitors. Working for a global leader creates endless career opportunities for you.