Smart Agriculture Solutions Manager Job Vacancy in Port St Johns, South Africa – Agriculture and Food Processing

Job Description

Position: Smart Agriculture Solutions Manager

Company: Bayer South Africa

Location: Port St Johns, South Africa

Experience: 5-7 years

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Business Administration or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Agriculture and Food Processing

Department: Business Development

Salary: SSP 600,000 – SSP 900,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Bayer South Africa is a leading global life sciences company with a strong presence in the South African market. The company focuses on innovative solutions in crop science, health care, and nutrition, aiming to improve the quality of life for farmers and consumers alike. With a commitment to sustainable agriculture, Bayer invests heavily in research and development, partnering with local universities, research institutes, and farming communities to drive forward cutting‑edge technologies. As part of its strategic growth plan, Bayer South Africa is expanding its portfolio of digital and precision agriculture solutions, creating new career opportunities for professionals who are passionate about transforming the agricultural sector. This role contributes directly to Bayer’s mission of delivering sustainable, high‑yield farming practices across South Africa and beyond, supporting the broader goal of food security and environmental stewardship. The position is based in the scenic coastal town of Port St Johns, offering a unique blend of professional challenge and lifestyle benefits.

https://southafricajobsearch.com

Job Overview

The Smart Agriculture Solutions Manager will lead the development, implementation, and scaling of Bayer’s digital agriculture platforms within the Eastern Cape region. This role requires a blend of agronomic expertise, business acumen, and technology insight to design integrated solutions that help farmers increase productivity, reduce input costs, and adopt sustainable practices. The manager will work closely with cross‑functional teams, including research, sales, marketing, and IT, to ensure that solutions are tailored to local market needs and aligned with Bayer’s global standards. The position offers a high‑visibility platform to influence product strategy, drive revenue growth, and shape the future of smart farming in South Africa. Candidates will be expected to travel across the region, engage with key stakeholders, and represent Bayer at industry events, thereby enhancing the company’s brand and market position.

https://www.southsudanjobsearch.com/

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a regional go‑to‑market strategy for Bayer’s smart agriculture platforms, targeting smallholder and commercial farms.
• Collaborate with agronomists, data scientists, and software engineers to customize digital tools for local soil, climate, and crop conditions.
• Lead pilot projects, collect performance data, and refine solutions based on farmer feedback and analytics.
• Build and maintain relationships with farmer cooperatives, government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions.
• Drive sales pipelines, negotiate contracts, and achieve revenue targets for digital solutions.
• Provide training and technical support to field staff and end‑users, ensuring high adoption rates.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to inform product enhancements.
• Prepare regular reports for senior leadership, highlighting key performance indicators and ROI.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of precision agriculture technologies, including IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and data analytics.
• Proven experience in business development or product management within the agricultural sector.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of translating technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret agronomic data and drive data‑informed decisions.
• Project management expertise, with a track record of delivering complex initiatives on time and within budget.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages (e.g., Xhosa) is an advantage.
• Ability to travel extensively across the Eastern Cape and surrounding provinces.

Education

A relevant bachelor’s degree is required. Advanced degrees (MSc, MBA) or certifications in agronomy, data science, or business development are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of 5‑7 years of experience in agribusiness, technology solutions, or related fields, with a demonstrated record of driving market adoption of innovative products.

Salary

The competitive salary range of SSP 600,000 – SSP 900,000 per annum reflects the seniority of the role, complemented by performance‑based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

• Medical aid and life insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance.
• Professional development budget and tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible working arrangements and paid parental leave.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering Bayer’s product portfolio, compliance standards, and regional market dynamics.
• Continuous learning opportunities through Bayer’s global academy, webinars, and industry conferences.
• Mentorship from senior leaders in the Crop Science division.

Working Environment

The role is based in Port St Johns, offering a vibrant coastal lifestyle combined with a modern office environment equipped with the latest collaboration tools. Employees benefit from a culture that values innovation, sustainability, and teamwork. Bayer promotes a safe, inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are encouraged and rewarded.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience via the online portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment at Bayer’s regional office.

https://www.nigeriajobsearch.com/

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bayer South Africa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.