Upstream Agri Manager-East & Southern Africa

Job Advertisement:

Position: Upstream Agri Manager-East & Southern Africa

Location: Nairobi , Kenya  

About Us:

Your career is about more than building a resume — it’s a chance to #LeaveYourMark. Guaranteeing quality, ensuring health and safety, mitigating risks and improving performance, as well as environmental protection and social responsibility…this is what Bureau Veritas is about. Join an inclusive, flexible and diverse company where you can thrive while positively contributing to transforming the world in which we live.

We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Upstream Agri Manager to lead our upstream agricultural activities in East and Southern Africa. This role is crucial in providing innovative and sustainable solutions to our clients in the upstream sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support clients in key areas of Precision Agriculture, Soil Analysis, Yield Management, Seed and Crop Protection services and Sustainable Agri Solutions including Traceability and EUDR.
• Introduce BV innovative technologies to enhance precision agriculture practices among clients.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance BV upstream agricultural solutions such as Stock Control and Monitoring to new and potential clients.
• Promote Laboratory Agri testing to new and potential clients in other Agricultural sectors including Horticulture and Aquaculture.
• Collaborate with clients to tailor solutions that meet their specific needs and challenges.
• Drive revenue growth, market penetration, and customer acquisition
• Develop and execute strategic business plans for the Agri Upstream division
• Lead and manage projects from conception through to completion ensuring they meet clients expectations and timelines.
• Establish partnerships with farmer associations, cooperatives, and agricultural enterprises
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Promote BV sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact and promote biodiversity within agricultural practices.
• Leverage data analytics to optimize service delivery and client outcomes
• Build and mentor a high-performing team of agronomists, technicians, and business professionals
• Collaborate with clients R&D teams to foster BV innovation in crop protection and soil health solutions.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Masters Degree in Agriculture or Agronomy with experience in Precision Agriculture, Soil analysis, Crop Management and related fields.
• 8+ years of experience in offering upstream agricultural services,
• Strong understanding of precision agriculture, agronomy, and modern farming practices
• Strong understanding of Laboratory testing services to the upstream Agri sector
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage agricultural projects.
• Excellent problem-solving and client management skills.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and maintain long-term client relationships.
• Proficiency in project management and resource planning.
• Proven track record of building and scaling up upstream Agri business.
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional teams (technical, sales, operations)
• Good knowledge of P&L management and revenue growth
• Strong business acumen and ability to generate leads and identify strategic areas for growth.

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with ability to work in a fast-paced and a highly competitive environment.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Data-driven decision-making capabilities