Sales Associate

Regen Organics is an award-winning social venture based in Nairobi, Kenya. We implement a circular economy model to sustainably manage sanitation and organic waste generated in cities. Using technologies developed in-house, we upcycle the waste into insect-based protein for animal feed, organic fertilizer, and biomass fuel. We operate the largest organic recycling plant in East Africa.

Operational since 2011, Sanergy collects and treats over 50,000T of residual organics per year, and successfully sells its agri-inputs to farmers in over 40 counties in Kenya, who see improved yields and increased incomes. Our work is pioneering climate action in Africa - we offset nearly 50,000T of carbon per year and we have big expansion plans to scale this impact. Our goal is to expand across Africa and Asia, safely processing 1,000,000T a year of waste and more than 1,000,000T of carbon emissions offsets per year in the next decade.

For our work, we have been recognized by the Gates Foundation as one of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals accelerator; by Fast Company as one of the 10 most innovative companies in the world doing social good and one of the 10 best companies in Africa, by Earthshot Prize as a Finalist and the Food Planet Prize for our innovative circular economy approach.

Job Purpose Statement

To meet our sales targets, we are looking for dynamic and talented Sales Associates who will be responsible for creating demand directly with medium and large-scale commercial farmers within a defined region. The role involves closing sales with farmers and directing them to collect from distributors or resellers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Hire, train and manage a network of commission-based agents to generate leads:

• Promote the opportunity to become a Farm Star agent / promoter in your designated area
• Recruit, train and onboard applicants who fit the criteria for the role
• Manage performance and motivate agents to go to the field to generate quality leads
• Ensure agents represent the Farm Star brand positively and abide by policies
• Organise events and presence at exhibitions, to aid the demand-generation work of the agents
  

Create demand and close sales:

• Prioritise farmers based on their purchase potential, planting cycle and other relevant factors
• Conduct on-site visits to farmers to pitch the product based on their specific needs
• Educate farmers on product specifications, application rates, and techniques
• Guide farmers during the application process for trials, if necessary
• Identify ideal locations for demo plots that are likely to convert a high number of farmers
• Close sales and coordinate product collection from resellers
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with farmers, to ensure repeat purchases

Reporting:

• Daily reporting of farmer visits and sales
• Weekly reporting of performance, customer feedback, insights and learnings
• Share pictures from the field in the team Whatsapp group

Logistics:

• Maintain a close relationship with resellers assigned to your area
• Train reseller staff on the specifications, benefits and application rates of the product
• Coordinate sales between farmers and resellers
• Ensure resellers maintain an optimal amount of product in store
• Motivate resellers to promote the product (via well-placed in-store branding, direct sales)
• Ensure resellers pay Farm Star for sold stock in the agreed time frame

Key Result Areas

• Leads generated through farmer visits, events, agents and others channels
• Sales conversion
• Tons sold
• Repeat customers

Qualifications and Skills:

• MUST be based in the area of operation
• Must have sound knowledge of farming activities in the area of operation
• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, or a related field
• Qualifications in agronomy or agribusiness will be an added advantage
• Previous experience selling agricultural inputs directly to farmers
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach
• Comfortable using tech tools i.e. smartphones, laptops
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Comfortable making return on investment (ROI) calculations
• Fluent level of spoken and written English, good level of Swahili
• Able and willing to ride a motorbike

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work with a recognized leader in the organic fertilizer industry
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A supportive and dynamic work environment