Our client is a food systems platform company in multiple food systems value chains including primary processing, manufacturing of packaged food products and sales & distribution. Their mission is to build the largest female-founded, impact focused, food systems platform in Africa.

They are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Head of Business Development to develop a B2B focused company engaged in the processing of bulk commodities such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric for the Nigerian and export B2B market.

The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of working with small-scale farmers, procurement, and possess well-established relationships with key potential customers both locally and in export markets. The primary responsibility of the individual will be to develop a plan to grow the business into a leading African agri-processing player and identify the required resources for successful execution.

There is a potential opportunity for the right candidate to progress into the role of CEO in which case equity participation will be offered to the selected candidate and key team members in order to align interests and promote commitment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business plan and business development strategy to achieve company growth objectives.
• Utilise existing networks and establish new relationships with small-scale farmers, suppliers, and aggregators to ensure a consistent and high-quality supply of commodities.
• Identify and target potential customers, both locally and internationally, and build and nurture strong relationships to create a credible pipeline of orders.
• Stay updated on market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences to identify new business opportunities and develop effective sales strategies.
• Negotiate and secure long-term supply agreements with farmers and other suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing and quality standards.
• Collaborate with the operations team to ensure efficient and effective processing of commodities, adhering to industry regulations and quality control standards.
• Monitor and analyse sales performance, market dynamics, and customer feedback to make data driven decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Assemble a skilled and motivated team by recruiting, training, and mentoring employees to foster a positive work environment and achieve business objectives.
• Represent the company in industry events, trade shows, and conferences to enhance brand visibility and identify potential partnerships and collaborations.
• Collaborate with the finance team to develop and manage budgets, forecast sales, and track financial performance against targets.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in business development, preferably at a senior level in the agricultural or agri-processing industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in working with small-scale farmers and procurement, with a strong understanding of the commodity market and supply chain dynamics.
• Proven track record of establishing and maintaining successful relationships with key customers, both locally and internationally, resulting in the growth of sales and revenue.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking ability, with the capacity to identify and capitalise on new market opportunities.
• Ability to build and lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on meeting and exceeding targets and objectives.
• Familiarity with agri-processing operations, quality control standards, and relevant regulations would be an advantage.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, or a related field. An advanced degree or relevant certifications would be a plus.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, with the potential and ambition to progress into the role of CEO.

*This job description is intended to convey essential job responsibilities and qualifications. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the specific tasks and responsibilities may vary depending on the needs of the business.

Please send your CV to Agri Frontier Limited at recruitment@agrifrontier.com. We will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis.

For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Wandia Musyimi on wmusyimi@agrifrontier.com.