As a key member of the Netafim Business Development team, the Business Development Manager (BDM), Digital Farming will be the pivotal role in developing and executing the commercial strategy of our digital farming business in the USA and Canada. This key individual role will play a central part in the development and execution of our digital farming initiatives, responsible for shaping our long-term channel strategy for digital farming and developing a comprehensive strategy for growth in the digital farming space. In close collaboration with the digital farming product team, this highly visible role will be responsible for the upcoming launch of our new GrowSphere operating system, as well as the strategy and commercial execution of the existing digital farming portfolio which includes fertilizer injectors and water treatment solutions. This role will closely interface with our commercial team and channel partners to successfully achieve our digital farming objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The BDM, Digital Farming will be responsible for all aspects of the business development and commercial processes including but not limited to: annual strategic planning, contribution to the annual operating plan, reporting and tracking of results, post launch commercialization of new products in digital farming, marketing programs, training internal and external stakeholders, and overall leadership of digital farming initiatives.
Strategic Value of Role
· Business lead for the overall digital farming component portfolio with a singular focus on driving Netafim success in this critical area of our business.
· Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the marketplace, such as dealers, farmers, suppliers, and other external partners.
· Develop, execute and report on strategy for digital farming, a key strategic pillar of Netafim globally, focused on our upcoming introduction of an industry-leading operating system.
Key Responsibilities
· Commercial leadership of digital farming strategies
· Develop the ideal channel strategy for digital farming and lead the execution of that strategy
· Subject matter expert both technically and relative to the market for digital farming solutions.
· Support product line positioning, messaging, and outbound communications to ensure a clear, compelling, and consistent message to the Netafim team, dealers, distributors, and end users.
· Make recommendations to product manager to fill product line gaps.
· Build relationships with all digital farming dealers, internal stakeholders, key growers and other influencers that can impact the uptake of digital farming technology in agriculture.
· Develop business processes to support our digital farming objectives.
· Gain a deep understanding of grower needs to support product positioning and messaging.
· Manage, support and mentor the field-based Product Application Specialist team.
· In conjunction with the Product Application Specialists, train our dealers to be successful with Netafim digital farming products.
· Build our call center capabilities and manage the deployment of team members to commission new systems.
· Report on project execution, new opportunities, and upcoming events.
· Monitor and report on competitive offerings of digital farming solutions to our target customer segments.
· Facilitate sales promotion activities including seminars, lectures, participation in conferences and exhibitions.
· This list is not all-inclusive and you are expected to perform other duties as requested or assigned.
Proficiencies-Competencies
· Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, technology, plant science, soil science or related field.
· Demonstrated success in selling high-value products or services to growers.
· Successful track record leading a team of remote employees.
· Outstanding communication skills and the ability to interface with multiple functions.
· Thoughtful and effective communicator.
· Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work group, as well as independently with minimal supervision.
· Attention to detail, quality orientation, and strong organizational skills.
· Up to 60% travel primarily in the USA & Canada.
· Valid driver’s license and ability to be covered under our corporate liability insurance required.