Seed Category Manager

About the role

Career Directions Limited is recruiting, on behalf of its client, a Seed Category Manager to lead the growth, product development and management of a seed portfolio. The role drives profitable category growth through product development, market expansion, strategic sales and marketing and effective portfolio management, combining agricultural technical knowledge, market intelligence and commercial acumen.

Key responsibilities

• Identify market opportunities and customer needs, then lead seed variety evaluation, field trials and performance assessments against competitors, coordinating multi-location trials and preparing technical reports.
• Manage the seed portfolio, product positioning and product mix to maximise market potential and profitability.
• Develop strategies to expand market presence across regions, build new customer accounts and strengthen existing ones, and drive product launches, promotions and go-to-market initiatives.
• Develop and execute sales strategies, forecasts and annual revenue plans.
• Monitor market trends, competitor products, pricing and marketing, and analyse customer feedback and field performance data to advise management and suppliers.
• Train the sales team, customers and stakeholders on seed varieties and product applications, and represent the company at agricultural exhibitions, trade fairs, field days and seminars.
• Manage annual sales revenue budgets and product forecasts, monitor performance against targets, and lead staff performance management, coaching and mentoring.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years' experience in the seed industry covering product development, seed trials, market development, category management and commercial sales.
• Demonstrated understanding of seed varieties, crop production systems, product evaluation and market dynamics.
• Proven track record of developing and executing sales and marketing strategies and achieving commercial targets.

Required skills

• Strong commercial and business development orientation.
• Excellent agricultural technical knowledge of seed products and crop varieties.
• Product and category management, market research and competitor intelligence.
• Negotiation, presentation and relationship management.
• Budgeting, forecasting and business planning.
• Ability to train, coach and lead a commercially focused team.