AECI Limited is a South African chemicals and mining group with a global presence, headquartered in Sandton and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The company provides specialty products and services to customers in various sectors, including mining, water treatment, and general industrial. AECI was founded in 1924 as African Explosives and Industries (AE&I), a merger of the South African interests of Nobel Industries and De Beers’ manufacturing arm.

Job Description

• To provide highly specialised in-field support and expert knowledge on Small Grains (Wheat, Barley, Canola, Oats), to the Crop Advisors and Regional Managers in terms of AECI Plant Health’s in-house products, as well as Third Party products, so as to enhance sales.
• Work closely with Advisory Manager to enhance the Sales Team’s overall knowledge of crop programmes and in-house products through specialised training and ongoing mentorship.
• Provide advice on complex technical matters to further the knowledge of the Advisory Team, Regional Managers and Crop Advisors on in-house and Third Party product and services across all product portfolios.
• Provide expert assistance to all Crop Advisors based in their specific regions, particularly in terms of complex complaints and claim management processes where additional support and technical knowledge is required.
• Ensure that current crop programmes and services within the Advisory Dept adhere to local regulations and labels and make recommendations to Advisory Manager for improvement where appropriate

Required outputs: Functional

• Assume responsibility for the development of spray programs incorporating in-house products for the clients which integrate agrochemical and nutritional products and adhere to MRL guidelines and label recommendations.
• Use crop programmes and technical support services to drive sales strategies in the region.
• Monitor the correct implementation of recommendations.
• Carry out regular crop inspections during season to find solutions for problems found and make recommendations for corrective action to be taken
• Perform relevant in-house product trials on Small Grains to build knowledge and confidence in products.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum educational requirement Grade 12 with post matric tertiary qualification of a B.Agric/B.Sc Agric degree.
• Must possess AVCASA or BASOS accreditation and be prepared to work towards acquiring both accreditations within a reasonable period of time.
• Minimum of 5 years post graduate experience in the agricultural industry in agrochemicals and/or agriculture and/or nutrition.
• Must possess good customer relationship skills.
• Must possess technical knowledge and experience in Small Grains.
• Computer literate MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook)
• Knowledge of .NET would be advantageous.
• A sound working knowledge of Safety, Health and Environmental practices is essential.
• Must be in possession of a valid driver’s license, have own reliable transport and be medically fit to drive.
• Must be able to travel to support all allocated Crop Advisors and service cross-border clients if required.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must possess good communication (verbal and written), planning, organisation, presentation, technical, people and presentation skills.
• Must be safety orientated
• Possess the ability to solve problems systematically
• Fluency in both English and Afrikaans is a prerequisite