HEAD, SD GUTHRIE SEEDS & AGRICULTURAL SERVICES SDN BHD

Job Description:

Seed Production & Quality Management

oProduction Oversight: Lead the seed production operations to ensure a consistent and reliable supply that meets the demand of the organization’s operations in Malaysia and global demand.

oQuality Control: Drive the quality management to ensure that all seed products meet the highest quality standards and comply with industry regulations. Develop and implement quality assurance protocols to guarantee seed health, germination rates, and purity.

oProcess Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve production processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize yield. Collaborate with the R&D breeding team to refine seed varieties and production techniques.

oCapacity Planning: Lead the business by forecasting the seed demand and develop production plans to meet short- and long-term operational requirements.

2. Sales & Marketing Strategy

oMarket Expansion: Lead a comprehensive sales and marketing strategy to promote and sell seeds produced in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea across domestic and international markets.

oRevenue Growth: Drive the marketing team to achieve revenue targets for the seed business by identifying new market opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and enhancing brand recognition.

oSales Team Leadership: Lead a dedicated sales and marketing team to develop relationships with distributors, agricultural cooperatives, and other stakeholders.

oMarketing Campaigns: Oversee the creation of marketing materials, product promotions, and awareness campaigns to enhance the visibility of the SD Guthrie seed brand and expand market share.

oCustomer Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with key customers and ensure customer satisfaction through exceptional service, timely deliveries, and tailored product offerings.

3. Technical Advisory & Smallholder Support

oConsultation Services: Lead the technical advisory team in providing expert agronomic consultation to smallholders, helping them adopt best agronomic practices

oSeed Upselling: Promote the benefits and superior quality of SD Guthrie seeds to smallholders through technical support and demonstrations, ensuring their long-term commitment to our products.

oTraining & Education: Drive the team to organize and conduct training programs for smallholders to improve their agricultural techniques, optimize seed usage, and ensure the sustainability of their plantation operations.

oSustainability & Innovation: Collaborate with the R&D division to introduce innovative agricultural techniques and sustainable practices to smallholders, ensuring the environmental and economic sustainability of their operations.

4. P&L Management

oFinancial Oversight: Drive the financial performance of the SD Guthrie Seeds and Agricultural Services department, ensuring profitability while maintaining cost-efficiency across production, marketing, and sales operations.

oBudgeting & Forecasting: Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and financial reports. Monitor expenditure and adjust strategies to stay within budget while meeting revenue targets.

oCost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives across production, logistics, and marketing. Continuously assess operational efficiencies to maximize profitability.

oPerformance Tracking: Drive and monitor financial and operational metrics to evaluate the success of the business strategy. Adjust business plans as necessary to ensure continued growth and profitability.

5. Team Leadership and Development

oTeam Management: Lead a diverse and cross-functional team, ensuring alignment across production, marketing, sales, and technical advisory functions. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance.

oTalent Development: Identify skills gaps within the team and implement training programs to enhance team capabilities. Promote a culture of continuous learning and development.

oCollaboration with R&D: Drive collaboration with the R&D department to ensure that new seed varieties and agricultural innovations align with Company strategies and market demand.

6. Strategic Planning and Execution

oLong-Term Strategy: Develop and execute a long-term strategic plan for the SD Guthrie Seeds and Agricultural Services division, aligning it with the broader organizational goals and market trends.

oGrowth Initiatives: Identify and pursue new business opportunities, both within the existing markets and through the development of new product lines or market segments.

oMarket Intelligence: Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to anticipate market shifts and adjust the division’s strategy accordingly.

Risk Management: Anticipate potential risks (market, financial, operational) and develop mitigation strategies to minimize disruption to operations or profitability.

Job Requirement:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Additional certifications in business management, leadership, or agriculture-related fields would be an advantage.

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in agricultural management, with a focus on seed production, sales, and agronomy.

• Experience in managing cross-functional teams in a multi-national or multi-regional context, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

• ​Demonstrated experience in managing P&L, setting strategic goals, and achieving business outcomes in a commercial environment.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your interest for this role.