Product Development Specialist: Fertiliser and Bio-Stimulants

Who are we?

SOLEVO is a leading distributor of chemicals and inputs for specific industrial and agricultural segments in Africa. SOLEVO assists African farmers and Industries succeed by providing them with a full range of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products and industrial chemicals they need with a guaranteed quality and good value. With over 75 years at the frontier of economic growth and transformation across Africa, we deliver critical raw materials and expertise to the continent’s high GDP-contributing life sciences and industrials sectors. Rolfes Agri is part of (Solevo Group).

What are we looking for?
We are seeking an experienced and talented Product Development Specialist: Fertiliser and Bio-Stimulants. This role is vital for ensuring the growth and sustainability of Rolfes Agri's market presence.
What do we expect from the candidate?
The candidate will join the Research and Development team. The objective of this role is to support the Product Research and Regulatory Manager with regards to new product development trials, label extensions and the general product maintenance for the Rolfes Agri fertiliser and bio-stimulant portfolio.

The key responsibilities:

• Planning, implementing and managing the R & D trial program for designated crops and products of the of fertilizers (Groups 1 and 2), bio-stimulants (Group 3) portfolio in line with product strategies and project scopes, as agreed with the relevant commercial product managers.

• Coordinating of crop seasonal plans for trials.

• Request trial samples and facilitate their delivery to respective collaborators.

• Managing internal trialists (KPIs and day-to-day function) and liaising with external trial consultants.

• Regularly monitor and contact trial collaborators to ensure that trials are going according to plan, field visits and identify potential problems timeously and report them back to regulatory and marketing.

• Coordinate the payments for trial collaborators and archive them.

• Analysing trial results (via ARM) and drafting summaries to demonstrate trial objectives and propose amendments for further development work, to ensure that project objectives are achieved.

• Participating in portfolio meetings by providing accurate updates on technical trial results as well as sharing technical expertise to ensure that product development remains relevant to the market needs whilst ensuring product positioning is optimal within the portfolio as well as within the context of global trends.

• Liaising with and participating on industry body organisation committees, forums (FERTASA, SABO, and other relevant forum) and/or meetings to gain information/contacts on industry trends and knowledge transfer that may have strategic importance to the role and to the company.

• Provide technical support to the sales and marketing team i.e. assist with preparing technical documents and training materials that support the sales team and external clients.

• Assist in ensuring that the technical material is correct and conforms to regulatory requirements.

• Manage brand reviews of existing and new products against competitors on the market.

• Assist in review label reviews.

If you possess…
Must-Have:

• Must have a B. Tech., B. Sc., or M. Sc. in Agriculture, Soil Science, Crop Production, Agronomy, Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, or a related scientific field.

• BASOS and FERRSTA certification are beneficiary.

• Minimum 3–7 years’ experience in product development work of fertilizers (Groups 1 and 2), bio-stimulants (Group 3).

• Practical experience with South African product import and export permits.

• Strong knowledge of South African Fertiliser legislation and the ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements accurately.

Why join Rolfes Agri (Solevo)?

• Join a young dynamic team who is leading the chemical distribution on the African continent.

• Enjoy a collaborative, international and agile work environment.

• Be part of a team where freedom, initiative and ‘thinking out of the box’ is key.

• Opportunity to work in a growing versatile environment.

• Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits package.

• Explore opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Then, this job is for you!

How to join us?

If you’re excited about this position, we encourage you to submit your resume detailing your relevant experience and be part of our exciting journey.

What's next ?

If your profile matches our search, you will be contacted by our HR team for a first contact.

Please be informed that we will keep your profile to contact you for future professional opportunities.