Commercial Manager (Burkina Faso)

LocationBobo

Learn About Farmerline

Farmerline is dedicated to reimagining how the world thinks about and invests in the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Our mission is to create lasting profits for farmers everywhere. We approach challenges with bold and systemic thinking while maintaining a lean and nimble operation. 

Farmerline was founded in 2013, has been a fast growing Agtech company in Africa. The company has raised over $20 million since incorporation. Farmerline’s digital marketplace combines logistics, field agents, farm resources and agribusiness partnerships to support African farmers. We have reached 1.7M farmers by deploying our tools and services through 3,000+ strategic partners across 48 countries. 

Impact assessments show that averagely we increase yield by ~2X and $306 increase in net income. Our technology platform Mergdata is licensed or white labelled to development partners, global food traders and governments who use its customisable tools to improve the lives of farmers around the world

We foster a learning organization where you will have the opportunity to apply your ideas and creativity to solve problems on a daily basis. If you are drawn to a dynamic, collaborative culture, set high standards, and tackle challenges with determination and to make a positive impact on millions of lives, Farmerline is the perfect environment for you to thrive. 

Field

Details

Job Title

Commercial Manager- Burkina Faso

Department and Location

Farmer Services, Burkina Faso

Incumbent Supervisor

Sourcing and Distributions Manager

Length of assignment

Permanent role, subject to performance

Role Overview

The Commercial Manager will lead the management of all business operations focusing on  sourcing of commodities, budgeting, client and project management and input sales in the  Bobo and Ouagadougou operational areas of Burkina Faso. 

 

Responsibilities 

  • Develop, plan and implement commercial plans and strategies for the operational area.
  • Lead the procurement of logistics for sourcing, storage and distribution of farm produce and products in the operational area, while coordinating the redistribution of inputs with the operational area.
  • Plan, execute and monitor weekly, monthly and quarterly work packages for the regional team with their key objectives and targets as agreed in respective performance management contracts. 
  • Identify and develop new potential clients, input dealers ,agribusinesses  and commodity sourcing etc
  • Gather, report and communicate customers’ feedback on service, technology and product delivery
  • Lead the regional team through change, guides the team in troubleshooting challenges and provides strategic focus and direction in the operational area. 
  • Establish and manage the long-term relationships with both internal and external stakeholders (customers, business partners, suppliers, etc.) This includes continuously exploring opportunities for expanding coverage into new geographical areas and sales channels of all Farmerline  products 
  • Map out on a continuous basis all input market opportunities and actively match the markets to the inputs and products
  • Ensure effective communication with relevant stakeholders in a structured manner. 
  • Provide support  for all projects in the zones in collaboration with other units. 
  •  Budget Management: Optimize budgets by tracking, controlling, and evaluating all expenses. 
  • Oversee and supervise the use and management of all company assets in the commercial zone - warehouses, vehicles etc
 

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Agricultural science, Agribusiness, Supply Chain management.
  • Knowledge of the systemic challenges in Agricultural value chains in the African sub regions.
  • Project management skills and the ability to create and stick to timelines.
  • 4-5 years of working experience in Crop and Input(fertilizers, seeds) marketing in Burkina  Faso with experience in shea,soybean, cashew nuts, peanuts, sorghum among other major crops in Africa. 
  • Strong research and field  experience in  shea,soybean, cashew nuts, peanuts, sorghum is required.
  • Proven experience in the use of technology to facilitate market access. 
  • Strong business analysis, planning and financial management skills
  • Excellent oral communication, writing and presentation skills.
  • Must speak/write French and English fluently and other languages across Africa is an added advantage
  • Great negotiation skills, proven ability to  pitch and close deals 
  • The ideal candidate must have resided and worked in Burkina Faso  for a minimum of 3 years 
  • CVs must be sent in English and French
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