Seed Manager

Overview

My client is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Seed Manager to lead the agronomic, technical, and commercial development of the company’s Seed and Seedling portfolio across Zambia. They will have a good understanding of the Zambian  seed market, key drivers and specifically vegetable and onion seed. This pivotal national role will drive varietal evaluation, oversee multi-location trial governance, and ensure accurate varietal placement across Zambia’s diverse agro-ecological zones. As the technical custodian of the seed range, the successful candidate will champion product performance, innovation, and sustainable market growth through robust data analysis, sound agronomic expertise, and commercially informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

National Trial Governance & Agronomic Leadership
Design, implement and govern national multi-location test pilot programs across Zambia.
Ensure correct varietal placement according to agro-ecological region.
Oversee yield benchmarking and comparative variety performance analysis.
Maintain a structured pipeline of new hybrid and OPV varieties.
Analyse trial data and provide clear commercial recommendations.
Develop Centres of Excellence and demonstration sites countrywide.
Seed & Seedling Portfolio Strategy
Develop and maintain a competitive vegetable seed range (Hybrid & OPV).
Ensure lifecycle management of varieties (introduction, scaling, phase-out).
Align the seedling range with market and production trends.
Collaborate with procurement to ensure optimal supply and sourcing decisions.
Technical Authority & Sales Support
Act as technical reference point for sales and key commercial farmers.
Support key account managers with agronomic recommendations.
Develop technical guides, trial reports, and crop production protocols.
Lead field days, farmer training programs and technical marketing events.
Nursery & Quality Oversight
Provide technical oversight to nursery operations.
Implement controls to manage:
Germination performance
Shrinkage
Production cost efficiency
Quality compliance
Ensure statutory compliance of seed packaging and labelling.
Data & Performance Management
Maintain comprehensive performance records for:
Germination rates
Yield performance
Variety adoption rates
Production costs
Translate agronomic data into commercial recommendations.
Provide regular performance reporting to management.

Qualifications

BSc Agriculture (Agronomy / Crop Science preferred)
AIZ membership advantageous

Experience & Requirements

Minimum 10 years’ practical agronomy experience, with a strong focus on seed systems and seed portfolio management.
Sound knowledge of the Zambian seed market, including market dynamics, distribution channels, and grower requirements.
Demonstrated expertise in vegetable seed production and commercialization, with specific experience in onion seed highly advantageous.
Proven track record in managing structured crop trials and multi-location varietal evaluation programmes.
Strong understanding of Zambia’s agro-ecological zones and their implications for varietal placement and performance (highly desirable).

Remuneration

A competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications is offered.