Job Description
The Technical Manager for Ornamentals and Professional Pest Management (PPM) oversees the formulation and implementation of Tangent Professional Solutions’ technical support strategy across essential East African markets. This position guarantees robust technical positioning for both existing and upcoming products, executes high-caliber trial programs, and offers specialized guidance to commercial teams.
The role involves cultivating and sustaining robust connections with customers, influencers, researchers, channel partners, and internal teams to uphold exceptional technical support and enhance Tangent’s standing as a reliable solutions’ provider. Additionally, the position aids in discovering emerging technologies, third-party prospects, and potential portfolio expansions that drive business growth.
The role is based in Nairobi and entails extensive travel throughout East Africa.
Accountabilities
Collaborate closely with the SPS Business Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa to formulate and implement the five-year strategic vision alongside annual business and campaign plans.
Design, implement, and oversee technical support trials in alignment with crop and public health solutions strategies, while ensuring financial adherence to the SPS Business Manager’s allocated budget.
Conduct in-depth technical evaluations and strategic positioning for both new and existing products by performing comprehensive assessments, such as competitive benchmarking and market trend analysis.
Facilitate compelling technical training and engagement initiatives targeting customers, influencers, and partners, employing diverse formats such as field days, demonstration sites, workshops, and industry events to drive meaningful interaction and knowledge transfer.
Work collaboratively with the Territory Product Biologist, Regulatory Manager, and regulatory teams across key markets to ensure development activities and registration priorities are properly aligned.
Develop and nurture a robust network comprising industry leaders, academic researchers, and key internal stakeholders to drive innovation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and uncover emerging prospects.
Spearhead the creation of technical content—such as brochures, presentations, technical bulletins, and media articles—to enhance product comprehension and drive sales.
Gather, evaluate, and disseminate market intelligence to guide strategic planning, uncover potential opportunities and risks, and strengthen both promotional and defensive business strategies.
Oversee the technical support budget with precision, guaranteeing optimal allocation and utilization of available resources.
The essential elements for achieving success and the primary obstacles to overcome include maintaining high levels of productivity, ensuring strict adherence to project deadlines, and fostering seamless collaboration across teams. Key challenges involve mitigating potential risks, managing resource constraints, and aligning team efforts with organizational objectives. Additionally, the role demands strong problem-solving skills, adaptability to evolving priorities, and the ability to drive measurable results within tight timeframes. Success in this position will require a proactive approach to addressing challenges while consistently delivering high-quality outcomes.
Developing and implementing a comprehensive technical support strategy is essential to ensure the effective deployment of the SPS portfolio.
Delivering highquality technical support for current products and future launches.
Fostering robust, trust-based partnerships with essential stakeholders spanning a variety of international markets is a core responsibility of this role.
Providing highimpact technical training that enhances customer capability and product adoption.
Enhancing Tangent’s technical credibility within the Ornamentals and Professional Pest Management sectors throughout East Africa.
Qualifications
Critical Knowledge
A Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Crop Protection, Plant Science, Environmental Health, or a closely related discipline is required.
Demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of the significance and practical application of technical information within a business context.
Profound expertise in Ornamentals and comprehensive understanding of Professional Pest Management (PPM)/Public Health products, market dynamics, and production methodologies.
A strong grasp of the entire product development lifecycle, encompassing the design of experiments, implementation of trials, and execution of statistical analysis.
Developed an extensive network of professional relationships spanning the Ornamentals and public health industries.
Critical experience
A minimum of five years of practical experience in agricultural, horticultural, professional pest management, or public health sectors is required, with preference given to candidates who have worked in commercial, technical, product development, or field support capacities.
Proven track record of collaborating effectively with prominent industry leaders, researchers, and technical collaborators.
Demonstrates extensive expertise in providing strategic guidance on crop protection or public health interventions and facilitating on-site product implementation.
Experienced in developing, executing, and overseeing field trials and their corresponding trial protocols.
Achieved measurable success in overseeing product portfolios and executing well-planned product launches.
Critical technical expertise, professional competencies, and personal attributes are essential for success in this role.
Proven expertise in written, verbal, and presentation communication, coupled with strong interpersonal abilities, is required.
Exceptional interpersonal abilities with a knack for persuasion, paired with seamless collaboration in diverse, cross-functional, and multicultural team settings.
Individuals should possess a strong foundation in agronomic principles and public health concepts, particularly as they pertain to the Ornamentals sector and Professional Pest Management (PPM).
Exceptional skill in the strategic planning, implementation, execution, analysis, and documentation of technical trials is required.
Possesses a robust business and customer-focused mindset, adept at converting technical knowledge into tangible commercial benefits.
Capable of handling and overseeing financial resources with precision and accountability.
Demonstrates exceptional strategic planning skills and robust project management expertise.
Demonstrates expert-level mastery of Microsoft Office applications and other pertinent digital platforms.
Proficient command of the English language is essential.
Dynamic leadership competencies are essential for this role, encompassing the ability to inspire and guide teams toward achieving strategic objectives while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong decision-making skills, adaptability in navigating complex challenges, and a proven track record in driving organizational growth and operational excellence. Proficiency in stakeholder management, effective communication, and talent development is required to cultivate high-performing teams and ensure alignment with company goals. Additionally, the position demands expertise in change management, cross-functional collaboration, and the capacity to mentor emerging leaders.
Establishes high-reaching strategic objectives and ensures technical initiatives are in harmony with overarching business priorities.
Articulates concepts with enthusiasm and clarity, distilling intricate technical details into understandable insights for varied stakeholders.
Energizes efforts towards essential priorities that deliver substantial business value.
Ensures performance meets high standards and drives ongoing improvement.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 years
