Job Description
The Technical Manager for Ornamentals and Professional Pest Management (PPM) is responsible for designing and implementing Tangent Professional Solutions’ technical support strategy across critical East African markets. This position ensures robust technical positioning for both existing and upcoming products, executes high-quality trial programs, and offers specialized expertise to commercial teams.
The position entails establishing and nurturing robust relationships with customers, influencers, researchers, channel partners, and internal teams to uphold exceptional technical support standards and enhance Tangent’s standing as a reliable solutions’ provider. Additionally, the role involves collaborating on the identification of emerging technologies, third-party prospects, and potential portfolio expansions that drive business growth.
This role is headquartered in Nairobi and involves extensive travel throughout East Africa.
Accountabilities
Provide assistance to the SPS Business Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa in formulating and implementing the five-year strategic plan, as well as the annual business and campaign initiatives.
Design, establish, and oversee technical support trials in accordance with crop protection and public health solutions strategies, maintaining strict budget adherence under the oversight of the SPS Business Manager.
Conduct comprehensive technical evaluations and strategic positioning for both new and existing products, leveraging competitive benchmarking and in-depth market trend analysis to drive informed decision-making.
Conduct engaging technical training and outreach initiatives for customers, influencers, and partners via field days, demonstration sites, workshops, and industry events to drive meaningful results.
Work collaboratively with the Territory Product Biologist, Regulatory Manager, and regulatory teams in key countries to maintain alignment of development activities and registration priorities.
Cultivate and sustain a robust network comprising industry leaders, researchers, and internal collaborators to foster innovation, exchange valuable insights, and uncover emerging opportunities.
Direct the creation of comprehensive technical content such as brochures, presentations, technical bulletins, and media articles to enhance product utilization and drive sales.
Gather, evaluate, and disseminate in market intelligence to guide strategic planning, uncover potential opportunities and risks, and bolster both promotional and defensive initiatives.
Oversee the allocation and utilization of the technical support budget to maximize efficiency and resource optimization.
Critical success factors include achieving project objectives on schedule and within budget, maintaining high standards of quality, and ensuring effective communication among stakeholders. Key challenges involve managing competing priorities, adapting to evolving requirements, and mitigating potential risks to project delivery.
Develop and implement a comprehensive technical support strategy to facilitate the successful deployment of the SPS portfolio.
Providing expert technical assistance for both existing products and upcoming releases, ensuring optimal performance and user satisfaction.
Cultivating robust, trustworthy relationships with essential stakeholders spanning a variety of global markets.
Delivering impactful technical training initiatives that strengthen customer proficiency and foster broader product adoption.
Enhancing Tangent’s technical credibility in Ornamentals and Professional Pest Management throughout East Africa.
Seeking a highly motivated professional with a minimum of three years of experience in a relevant field, preferably in a supervisory or managerial role. Proficiency in industry-specific software and tools is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is mandatory, and additional certifications or advanced degrees are advantageous. The ideal candidate must demonstrate adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Critical expertise in [specific field or subject] is required, with a strong emphasis on [specific skills or areas of knowledge]. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in [specific tools, technologies, or methodologies], along with a solid understanding of [relevant industry standards or regulations]. The ideal applicant will possess [specific qualifications, such as degrees, certifications, or years of experience] and exhibit the ability to apply theoretical knowledge effectively in practical settings. Problem-solving skills and attention to detail are essential, as the role involves [specific tasks or challenges]. Familiarity with [additional relevant skills or systems] is preferred but not mandatory.
A bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Crop Protection, Plant Science, Environmental Health, or a closely related discipline is required.
Possesses a comprehensive grasp of the significance and practical application of technical information within a commercial context.
Profound expertise in Ornamentals and a comprehensive understanding of Professional Pest Management (PPM)/Public Health products, market dynamics, and production methodologies are essential.
Proficient in all facets of product development, encompassing experimental design, trial implementation, and statistical evaluation.
Forge and maintain an expansive network of professional relationships spanning the Ornamentals and public health industries.
Critical experience
A minimum of five years of hands-on experience in the agricultural, horticultural, professional pest management, or public health sectors is required, with a preference for candidates who have worked in commercial, technical, product development, or field support capacities.
Proven track record of collaboration with prominent industry leaders, academic researchers, and technical collaborators.
Proven track record in advising on crop or public health solutions and supporting product use in the field.
Proficiency in designing, executing, and overseeing field trials and trial protocols is essential.
Proven track record in overseeing product portfolios and executing successful product launches.
Critical technical expertise, coupled with robust professional competencies and essential personal attributes, forms the foundation of this role.
Exceptional proficiency in both written and verbal communication, along with strong presentation and interpersonal skills, is required.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with a demonstrated capacity to collaborate seamlessly across diverse, cross-functional, and multicultural teams.
Proficiency in agronomic principles and public health considerations is essential for roles focused on ornamentals and professional pest management (PPM).
High proficiency in planning, executing, interpreting, and reporting technical trials.
Proven ability to align business objectives with customer needs while leveraging technical expertise to drive commercial outcomes.
Accurately and responsibly overseeing and maintaining budgets is a critical requirement for this role.
Skilled in devising effective strategies and overseeing project execution with precision and foresight.
Demonstrates advanced expertise in Microsoft Office Suite and other pertinent digital platforms.
We require a high level of proficiency in spoken and written English to ensure clear and effective communication in all professional interactions.
Dynamic leadership competencies essential for success in this role encompass strategic vision, decisive decision-making under pressure, and the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams toward achieving organizational objectives. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, and driving sustainable growth through innovative problem-solving and adaptability in fast-paced environments. Proficiency in change management, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution is mandatory, along with exceptional communication skills to articulate vision clearly and align teams with overarching goals. Experience in mentoring emerging leaders and cultivating talent pipelines is highly valued, as is a deep understanding of industry trends and competitive dynamics to inform long-term strategic planning.
Establishes high-level strategic objectives and ensures technical initiatives are fully aligned with overarching business priorities.
Inspires and engages audiences through clear, compelling communication, distilling intricate technical concepts into accessible insights for varied stakeholders.
Drives impactful business outcomes by concentrating efforts on critical priorities deemed essential for success.
Ensures performance meets high standards while fostering ongoing improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 years
