Responsibilities

What we’re looking for:

• We are looking for a Seed and Commercial Field Agronomist to join our dynamic team.
• The main purpose is the management of potato seed production in relation but not limited to identifying new seed potato producers, proposing new seed production regions, negotiations, contracting, seed certification, supply co-ordination and planning.
• Identification and roll out of new seed production pipelines.
• Provide Agronomic leadership and technical growing support to Pepsico SA potato growers.
• Identifying supply risks and driving solutions to cover supply risks.
• Roll out revised agricultural best practices to new and existing growers to support IPS product design.
• Responsible for production information capturing, volume forecasting and the successful integration of new PepsiCo proprietary varieties within the BU’s agronomy productivity agenda.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for seed potato production strategy implementation, new variety introduction, In-vitro, Mini tubers(G0), Generation 1-Generation 4, under guidance of technical Services Manager.
• Manage negotiations and contracting of seed and seed overflow volumes
• Manage seed overflow volumes, planning, transport and delivery.
• Maintain good quality and timely volume of certified potato seed. Educate growers on best practice for certified seed production. Identify new/emerging seed growers/regions.
• Support to commercial potato supply programme in accordance with the AOP. Assist Commercial Potato Supply Manager selecting regional strategic planting areas and farmers that will minimize risk and maximize productivity
• Educating growers on latest agronomic practices that drive best in class potato quality (lower defects, higher solids), increased yields, reduce foreign objects, inspects and recommend farmer washing/grading operations and equipment.
• Develop, implement and maintain good handling practices for potatoes to ensure high quality potatoes from storage to the factory.
• Provide Simba growers with best in class, specialist agronomic support to deliver improved potato quality, monitor crop performance and implement sustainable improvements across all Simba growers and growing regions.
• Provide regional Agro management with monthly commercial crop volume estimates compared to contracted seed volumes, forecast crop losses where it occurs, and/or identify potential seed supply risks to effectively plan for “short/over-supply” for commercial contract periods.
• Facilitate the successful integration of new potato varieties into SA Program (identify suitable fields and areas for field trials, monitor fields and crop progress regularly, monitor crop quality, arrange plant trials and jointly collate and analyze conversion and consumer performance).
• Assist Commercial Potato Supply Manager in selecting regional strategic planting areas and farmers that will minimize risk and maximize productivity.
• Facilitate and execute research projects (new plant materials, fertilizers and chemical, planting and irrigation practices), which will contribute positively to sustainability and productivity programs.
• Stay updated with latest/best available technology in the agricultural industry to be able to assist farmers in making informed decisions.
• Support the Agro BU Lead with productivity target execution, supplier development, price and volume negotiations, supplier performance reviews through KPI reporting, feedback and meetings

Qualifications

What will qualify you for the role

• Specialist Agronomical Knowledge of Potato Seed Production and certification, Potato crop production, with emphasis on Pest and Disease management with quantity and quality forecasting (Preferably B.Sc. (Agric) degree or Diploma in agriculture).
• Knowledge of potato seed certification (5+ years)
• Knowledge and experience of agricultural industry (5 + years).
• Good technical and planning skills.
• High level of computer literacy.
• Experience in the processing sector would be an advantage.
• Experience in Agronomy related food safety programs.
• Experience in Logistics would be beneficial.