Input Sales Manager( Ivory Coast)

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

Input Sales Manager

Organization 

Farmerline Limited

Department and Location

Farmer Services, Francophone Africa

Incumbent Supervisor

Reports to the Chief Operation Officer. 

Length of assignment

Permanent
 

Role Overview

The supply of quality farm inputs and providing a market for smallholders  is fundamental to Farmerline’s interventions to smallholder farmers. In helping smallholder farmers make lasting profits, the Farmer Services team is required to source quality farm inputs and deliver them promptly and cost efficient manner through the various distribution channels to farmers.

The role of the Input Sales Manager is to lead on sourcing, distribution, sales and recovery of farm inputs and machinery. 

The manager would work with other members of the Farmerline team  to generate revenue for the business through agro input and farm asset sales across various channels and ensuring proper digitization of all operations.

Responsibilities

 
  • Develop strategies and operational plans for the team in alignment with the Company's business goals.
  • Support sales and logistics team with day-to-day operation.
  • Leads on sales pilot initiatives in new and existing territories. 
  • Leads on input sourcing by establishing partnership with key importers. 
  • Measures progress against goals, regularly reports on progress, and holds the team accountable for prioritizing and delivering results in key strategic zones. 
  • Ensure smooth working relationships with partners including but not limited to negotiation, contracting and building long term relationships with them. 
  • Oversee and manage team performance; conduct quarterly reviews with the corporate operation Unit so each team member is aware of perceived progress and areas for improvement. 
  • Ensure efficient and cost effective distribution of inputs and assets. 
  • Ensure the recovery of input sales revenue from all customers both under cash and credit sales arrangement. 
  • Leverage real time data to make decisions around farmer engagement, inputs sourcing, distribution, sales and recovery. 
  • Establish and cultivate strong relationships to ensure that all field staff maximize their career performance and job satisfaction as part of Farmerline.
  • Have full oversight into stock purchases and inventory at partner warehouses and Farmerline warehouses.
  • Establish and cultivate strong relationships to ensure that all field staff maximize their career performance and job satisfaction as part of Farmerline.
  • Develop key initiatives that will enable Farmerline to generate higher impact & revenue for farmers while reducing the cost of serving farmers as the program scales. 
  • Prepare and review the annual budget for the area of responsibility.
  • Analyze regional market trends and discover new opportunities for growth. 
  • Address potential problems and suggest prompt solutions. 
  • Works closely with the commodity team to create market access for all farmers in the farmer services program.

Required Qualifications

  • Masters Degree Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness or a related field
  • 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.
  • Proven experience as a Input Sales Manager or similar leadership role, 5 years +
  • Leadership and Strategic Thinking abilities
  •  Proven success building high-performing technical teams and working with rapid growth and implementing change
  • Knowledge of technological trends to build strategy and 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 
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