KWS Benelux B.V. is looking for a Country Manager to lead the KWS commercial operation in Benelux. The Country Manager will oversee the sales of all crops on every sales channel focusing on serving customers through the optimal channel (direct, distributors, sugar industry), considering business unit objectives, strategies and action plans as well as guidelines coming from KWS headquarters. They will develop and execute business strategies for the Benelux markets, to ensure consistent, profitable growth in sales and revenues through planning, sales management and product development. All the whiile representing the company in front of authorities and ensuring that the company operates within the boundaries of local regulations and KWS company standards.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop & implement go to market strategy for the Benelux markets aligned with KWS BU strategies.
• Plan and follow up the fiscal year budget (sales quantities, pricing and costs) and forecasts; together with the management team.
• Efficiently lead the KWS Benelux organization through management team and direct reports. Appropriate training and further development of the team.
• Develop and implement marketing & commercial policies and activities, agreed with BUs, together with the sales management, product development & marketing teams, taking into consideration sales objectives and market environment.
• Manage customer relations with key clients in close collaboration with national sales manager.
• Manage product portfolios of all crops, seed supply and logistics efficiently in collaboration with central functions at KWS.
• Managing and administering the legal entity, KWS Benelux, representing the company in front of authorities (e.g. labor inspectorate, occupational medicine, Ministry of Agriculture, tax authorities, etc.) and ensuring that the company operates withing the boundaries of local regulations and KWS Company standards.
   

Your profile:

• Open minded with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Target oriented and strong commitment to achieve budgets.
• Excellent organization, communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong cooperative leadership skills incl. change management.
• Good customer orientation.
• Cooperative, ability to deal with conflicts. 
• Good stress tolerance.

Your skills:

• University degree in agriculture and/or management/ marketing.
• Proven management, marketing & sales skills (tools, strategies, techniques).
• Proven experience in leading a team. 
• Knowledge of the seed sector or, alternatively, fertilizers, crop protection is an advantage. 
• Fluency in English language is required. Dutch and French would be beneficial.