Manager Agronomy & Development (Pune, Maharashtra, India)

SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition , a global mining and chemical company, has a worldwide leadership position in the markets in which we are present, which is possible thanks to the strategic location of our operations in northern Chile, from where we have access to high-value resources, in addition to our network of commercial offices that allows us to reach more than 100 countries with our products . Every day we are inspired by our purpose: “we develop unique capabilities that transform resources into life and progress” , achieving the highest quality products that generate value to strategic industries such as health, technology and food. This is a great opportunity for talented people who can develop as a Manager Agronomy & Development who will have the mission to to further develop and increase the usage of potassium nitrate, potassium nitrate-based formulations and other macro- and micronutrient containing water-soluble fertilizers in fertigation. The head agronomist will lead a small team responsible for creating market demand and consequently grow both the potassium nitrate market and SQM’s share in that market. He/she will have regular contact internationally, to work closely with the Agro-technical teams from other SQM affiliates around the world . In line with this task, the Agronomy & Development Manager will support the development of the SPN businesses with respect to: o Specialty Plant Nutrition fertilizers, distributed by SQM and its business partners. o Fertilization methods (e.g. fertigation, foliar and field applications) and irrigation management. o The establishment of agronomically well-balanced crop nutrition programs based on SQM’s and our distributor’s SPN solutions in a wide variety of target crops, with specific focus on fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, industrial crops (cotton, pulses and sugarcane) and plantation crops. o Become a crop specialist on the top crops in your geographic area and share your experiences with a global team. WHAT YOU’LL DO Technical Support :

• Visit growers to identify problems and to advise them on the benefits of a well-balanced plant nutrition program based on quality water-soluble fertilizers.
• Working on new customized crop and stage specific NPKs formulas for potentials crops (grape, pomegranate, and banana.
• Give presentations during trainings and seminars for SQM distributors, customers, and field staff to transfer SQM products and knowledge to increase the sales of potassium nitrate and related products.
• Conduct and oversee trials (design, execute, supervise, collect data). Both demo trials at farms and scientific trials with recognized research centers.
• Participate as a speaker and representative of SQM at congresses and conferences.
• Cooperate closely with the (digital) marketing team to create marketing and communication materials, by refining the data from field assistant demos and success stories and transferring it to the marketing team.
• Building the data base of Farmers by Keeping detailed records regarding crops, and development projects.

• Identify and onboard new wholesalers to expand the sales network within the territory.
• Foster strong business relationships with existing and potential partners.
• Implement strategies to enhance the reach and penetration of the company’s products.

• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify market trends, opportunities, and challenges in the agricultural industry. Analyze market dynamics, competitive landscape, and customer needs to inform product development strategies.
• Monitor competitor actuvities, product offerings, and market trends to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for differentiation. Conduct competitive benchmarking and analysis to (re)direct product development and marketing strategies.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key customers, industry stakeholders, and influencers to gather insights, receive feedback, and identify opportunities for collaboration or co-development.

• Provide strategic direction to field staff including Sales and Field Assistants.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within the agronomy department, promoting professional development and knowledge sharing among team members.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Sales, and Marketing

• Master’s degree in Agronomy – The candidate has an educational background in plant or soil sciences.
• Fluent in Marathi and Hindi. Professional level of communication skills in English (speak-write-read), adequate for professional execution of the job in a global organization. Additional other local languages will be a plus.
• Well-skilled in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint. E-mail.
• The candidate is enthusiastic, accurate and precise, is an initiative-taking and result-oriented professional, has a pioneering spirit, and can independently execute the job, while being a team player at the same time. Commercial acumen.
• Minimum 10 years of proven, relevant experience in plant nutriƟon and fertigation. Experience in irrigation management is considered a plus.

• Permanent hiring
• Working day: Monday to Friday
• Place of work: Maharashtra (Solapur/Pune and Nasik) Travelling in the field
• The opportunity to belong and develop in a dynamic work environment and continuous learning