Takii Europe B.V. with headquarters in De Kwakel - The Netherlands, is the European daughter company of Takii & Company Ltd. in Japan, a family owned seed company with a history of over 180 years. Takii is a global player due to successful breeding, production and sales of a large assortment of vegetable- and flower seeds for the professional grower. Takii Europe BV has more than 140 employees in different European countries with a mainly Dutch management. Takii Europe B.V. has set ambitious goals to further develop their market position and their products within a number of countries in Africa.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate sales- and product development manager to cooperate with the Sales department in achieving these goals.

Function

• Market development by positioning Takii’s vegetable- and flower varieties in Africa Increase turnover and market share of core crops in the region (70% of working time) and specialize in product development of short day onions (30%).
• Organize and evaluate trials with or without working with distributors and report to Sales & Marketing Manager, Breeder and relevant departments.
• Set and achieve sales budgets; development and implementation of annual Sales & Marketing- and Account plans and execute plans upon approval of the Sales & Marketing Manager.
• Plan annual schedule of activities and execute promotional activities in corporation with distributors.
• Market analysis of the territory; update development of the market including competitors’ activities, market potential, legislation.
• Receive orders from distributors, monitor payment from customers and interact with various departments at Takii Europe and Takii Japan.

The Area Sales Manager Africa reports directly to the Sales & Marketing Manager.

Profile

• Proactive self-starter and pioneer with strong business sense and technical affinity Job requirements BSc. or MSc. in Plants Sciences,
• International Agribusiness & Trade, Economics, Business Administration etc. complemented with training courses in leadership and/or sales and/or marketing management.
• At least 5 years of experience in Sales or Marketing in an international agricultural or horticultural B2B environment coupled with a strong understanding of seed company practices.
• Experience in doing international business, preferably in Africa (or Asia).
• Experience in developing marketing and sales strategies.
• Experience in selling through distributors and expanding a distributor network is an advantage.
• Fluent in Dutch and English, spoken and written.
• French is preferable (at least be able to communicate at a basic level).
• Willingness to travel intensively.

Competences

• Excellent oral and written communication and administrative skills. Business focused.
• Entrepreneurial and negotiation skills. International scope.
• Team player able to work independently.
• Inventive and innovative.
• Adaptability to different cultures.

Location

De Kwakel (near Aalsmeer),The Netherlands with frequent international travel.

Offer

An interesting international career opportunity by working in fast growing African economies for a well-established and solid seed company with a pleasant, no-nonse and cooperative working atmosphere.

The position offers a competitive remuneration package, with excellent fringe benefits such as a company car and a contribution free pension plan.

Respond

Takii Europe has outsourced the recruitment and selection for the Area Sales Manager Africa exclusively to CeresRecruitment.

You can send your application only through www.ceresrecruitment.eu.

For further information, please contact Ajaan Hijmans +31 (0)6 53 905 829.

Comprehensive information regarding the company can be found at www.takii.eu.

A personality questionnaire will be part of the recruitment process.