Manager Agronomy & Development (Bengaloru, Karnataka, India)

SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition is a global mining and chemical company with a leading position across the markets we serve. This leadership is driven by the strategic location of our operations in northern Chile, granting us access to high-value resources, as well as our global commercial network that enables us to reach customers in more than 100 countries.

Every day, we are inspired by our purpose: “we develop unique capabilities that transform resources into life and progress” , delivering high-quality solutions that create value for key industries such as health, technology, and food.

At SQM India , we are looking for a Manager- Agronomy & Development . The main responsibility is 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 addiliates 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 (SPN) 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.

Associated activities for this role are:

Technical Support:

o 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.

o Working on new customized crop and stage specific NPKs formulas for potentials crops (grape, pomegranate, and banana.

o 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.

o Conduct and oversee trials (design, execute, supervise, collect data). Both demo trials at farms and scientific trials with recognized research centers.

o Participate as a speaker and representative of SQM at congresses and conferences.

o 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.

o Building the data base of Farmers by Keeping detailed records regarding crops, and development projects.

Market Intelligence:

o 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.

o Monitor competitor activities, 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.

o Cultivate strong relationships with key customers, industry stakeholders, and influencers to gather insights, receive feedback, and identify opportunities for collaboration or co-development.

Team Lead:

o Provide strategic direction to field staff including Sales and Field Assistants.

o Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within the agronomy department, promoting professional development and knowledge sharing among team members.

o Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Sales, and Marketing.

About You:

\n
• Education: Master’s degree in Agronomy – The candidate has an educational background in plant or soil sciences.
\n
• Language Skills: Fluent in Kannada and English. Professional level of communication skills in English (speak-write-read), adequate for professional execution of the job in a global organization. Additional knowledge of Tamil will be plus for consideration .
\n
• Computer Skills: Well-skilled in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint. E-mail.
\n
• Attitude & Personality: The candidate is enthusiastic, accurate and precise, has no 9-to-5 mentality, 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.
\n
• Location: Karnataka -south (Bengaluru)
\n
• Travelling in the field.
\n
• Prior Experience: Minimum 10-12 years of proven, relevant experience in plant nutrition and fertigation. Experience in irrigation management is considered a plus.
\n

Our Offer:

o Competitive salary and benefits, in accordance with the job requirements and the candidates’ experience and knowledge.

o This job offers a great opportunity for the candidate to take the next step in his/her professional career, within an international and multicultural context.