Responsibilities:
- Market Insights and Strategy:
- Conduct in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, demands, and opportunities in the agricultural input sector.
- Analyze competitor products and industry developments to inform Univia’s product strategy.
- Product Innovation and Conceptualization:
- Lead cross-functional teams to conceptualize and develop new agricultural input products aligned with market needs and company objectives.
- Evaluate the feasibility and potential success of new product ideas through thorough analysis and market testing.
- Prototype Development and Testing:
- Oversee the development of prototypes in collaboration with research and development teams.
- Coordinate field trials and gather comprehensive data to evaluate prototype performance and efficacy.
- Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:
- Ensure all products adhere to relevant agricultural regulations and quality standards.
- Establish and implement robust quality control processes throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Supplier Management:
- Identify and cultivate relationships with suppliers for raw materials and components.
- Negotiate favourable terms and conditions to maintain a reliable and cost-effective supply chain.
- Technical Support and Training:
- Provide technical expertise and support to internal teams, sales representatives, and customers on product usage and application.
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain meticulous records of product development processes, including testing results and iterations.
- Prepare regular reports for management to track the progress of product development initiatives.
- Farmer Engagement and Feedback:
- Organize farmer meetings, events, and field visits to gather feedback and provide product information.
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to execute impactful farmer engagement initiatives.
- Testimonials and Marketing:
- Identify satisfied customers and collect testimonials to bolster brand credibility.
- Utilize testimonials across marketing channels to attract new customers.
- Legal Compliance:
- Ensure adherence to all legal requirements governing product development and marketing activities.
- Address legal issues proactively and solve them within time limits.
- Point of Purchase (POP) Support:
- Develop captivating point-of-purchase materials to promote Univia’s products at retail locations.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to maximize the impact of POP materials.
- Supplier Collaboration:
- Play a key role in nurturing relationships with suppliers to maintain a robust supply chain
Qualifications:
Bachelors or advanced degree in agriculture, agronomy, agricultural engineering, or a related field.
Experience in product development, preferably in the agricultural input industry.
Skills required:
Strong interpersonal skills, Technical Knowledge, Coordination, traveling, Planning, Knowledge of agricultural regulations and compliance, Excellent communication and collaboration skills.