Business Development Manager – Floriculture & Agri-Inputs
ETG
Quick Take
Drive sales and market expansion of specialty fertilizers and crop protection products across Kenya's floriculture sector by building client relationships, conducting farm visits, and providing technical agronomic advisory.
B.Sc. in Agriculture/Horticulture, 8+ years selling agri-inputs, and proven ability to manage large geographic territories independently with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
Competitive salary (KES 180k–280k/mo), role at a global agribusiness leader with significant market presence, and opportunity to drive impact in Kenya's high-value floriculture sector.
Job Description
ETG, a global agribusiness conglomerate operating across more than 45 countries and six continents, is seeking a seasoned Business Development Manager to spearhead growth within Kenya's floriculture and agri-inputs sector. This is a high-impact commercial role anchored in Nairobi but requiring regular field presence across key agricultural hubs including Naivasha, Thika, Nanyuki, and Eldoret.
The ideal candidate will combine deep agronomic knowledge with proven commercial acumen to grow ETG's market share among flower farms and horticultural enterprises. You will serve as a trusted technical advisor and strategic partner to clients, driving adoption of specialty fertilizers and crop protection products across Kenya's competitive flower farming landscape.
- Develop and execute business development strategies to expand ETG's footprint in the floriculture and broader horticulture sector across Kenya.
- Identify, target, and convert new business opportunities with flower farms, growers, and agri-input distributors.
- Build, manage, and deepen long-term relationships with key clients including large-scale flower farms and cooperative societies.
- Provide hands-on technical support and agronomic advisory to clients on the correct use of specialty fertilizers and crop protection products.
- Conduct regular farm visits and field demonstrations to showcase product performance and support customer retention.
- Collaborate with internal teams including logistics, supply chain, and product management to ensure seamless customer experience.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and pricing dynamics to inform sales strategy and product positioning.
- Prepare and present regular business performance reports, pipeline updates, and market intelligence to senior management.
- Support credit management by working closely with the finance team to manage receivables from key accounts.
- Must hold a B.Sc. in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a closely related field — you should be able to engage clients at a technical agronomic level, not just commercially.
- Must demonstrate at least 8 years of progressive experience selling agri-inputs such as fertilizers, crop protection chemicals, or related agricultural products.
- Must be able to independently manage a large geographic sales territory and drive results with minimal supervision.
- Must have strong negotiation skills — able to close deals with procurement managers and farm owners at senior levels.
- Must be proficient in relationship management — capable of building trust with technically sophisticated clients over the long term.
- Experience working within the floriculture segment (cut flowers, ornamentals) is a significant advantage and will be weighted heavily during shortlisting.
- Must be comfortable with frequent travel across key growing regions including Naivasha, Thika, Nanyuki, and Eldoret.
- Proficiency in CRM tools, Microsoft Office, and sales reporting is expected.
ETG offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and the seniority of this role. Based on Kenyan market benchmarks for senior agri-business sales managers, the estimated gross monthly salary range is KES 180,000 – 280,000. This is inclusive of a base salary and is expected to be complemented by a performance-linked variable component. Candidates with floriculture-specific experience and a strong existing network may command packages toward the upper end of this range.
This role is ideal for a commercially driven agronomist or agri-sales professional who has spent the majority of their career in the field — visiting farms, solving grower problems, and consistently hitting revenue targets. You thrive in a fast-paced, target-oriented environment and are energised by the challenge of building markets rather than maintaining them. You understand the business of flower farming and can credibly advise farm managers on nutrition and pest management programmes.
You should NOT apply if: you have fewer than 8 years of agri-input sales experience, if you are not comfortable with frequent upcountry travel, or if your background is purely academic or advisory without a commercial track record.
To apply for this position, visit the ETG careers portal or the job platform where this listing is hosted. Submit your updated CV along with a brief cover letter (no more than one page) highlighting your relevant agri-input sales experience, any floriculture exposure, and your key commercial achievements to date. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for an initial screening interview. No payment of any kind is required at any stage of this recruitment process.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- B.Sc. in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or closely related field
- Minimum 8 years progressive experience selling agri-inputs (fertilizers, crop protection chemicals)
- Ability to independently manage large geographic sales territory with minimal supervision
- Strong negotiation skills to close deals with farm owners and procurement managers
- Comfort with frequent travel across Naivasha, Thika, Nanyuki, and Eldoret
Nice to Have
- Proven experience in floriculture/cut flower segment
- Proficiency with CRM tools and sales reporting software
- Track record of relationship management with technically sophisticated agricultural clients
- Experience in credit management or working with finance teams on receivables
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Salary Context
Competitive mid-to-senior level salary for Business Development Manager in Kenya's agribusiness sector
The range of KES 180,000–280,000/mo positions this as a solid mid-to-senior role, typically reflecting 8+ years of experience and responsibility for significant territory. Agri-inputs sales roles with floriculture expertise command premium rates in Kenya due to technical knowledge and sector specialization; salary progression depends on territory size, account quality, and track record.
About ETG
ETG is a global agribusiness conglomerate operating across 45+ countries and six continents, with significant presence in East Africa's agricultural supply chain. The company specializes in supplying specialty agri-inputs—fertilizers, crop protection products, and horticultural solutions—to commercial farms and cooperatives. ETG is recognized for technical expertise and long-term client partnerships in Kenya's floriculture sector, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to work at scale within Africa's growing agri-trade.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Walk us through a specific instance where you successfully converted a large-scale flower farm or horticultural operation from a competitor. What was your technical or commercial strategy?
- 2
How do you balance the commercial pressure to close deals with the technical responsibility to ensure clients use our products correctly? Can you give an example?
- 3
Floriculture in Kenya faces unique agronomic challenges—pest pressure, soil management, export-grade quality standards. How would you position our products to address these?
- 4
Describe your experience managing receivables or credit relationships with large commercial clients. How do you maintain the relationship while managing financial risk?
- 5
Tell us about your experience with CRM systems and sales reporting. How do you track pipeline, forecast, and communicate market intelligence to senior management?
Application Tips
Quantify your track record: highlight specific agri-inputs products you've sold, territory growth %, and number of accounts managed. ETG will want proof of independent territory ownership and results.
Lead with floriculture or horticulture experience if you have it—the posting explicitly notes this will be 'weighted heavily' during shortlisting. Even if limited, highlight any cut flower, ornamental, or high-value crop exposure.
Demonstrate agronomic credibility: show how you've partnered with agronomists, conducted field trials, or trained farmers on product application. This distinguishes you as a trusted advisor, not just a salesperson.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Global conglomerate with 45+ country presence signals stability, career development pathways, and exposure to international best practices in agribusiness.
- Salary range (KES 180k–280k) is competitive for 8+ years of agri-inputs experience and reflects willingness to pay for proven capability.
- Role emphasizes technical advisory and long-term relationship-building over transactional sales—suggests a culture that values expertise and client success, attractive for professionals seeking meaningful impact.
- Clear geographic focus (Kenya's key horticultural hubs) and sector specialization (floriculture) indicate a well-defined market opportunity with growth potential.
Watch Out
- Job description ends abruptly mid-requirement ('sales reportin...') suggesting incomplete posting—clarify full list of required proficiencies before applying.
- Frequent travel across four geographic hubs (Naivasha, Thika, Nanyuki, Eldoret) with Nairobi base may imply 40–50% time on the road; confirm travel expectations and whether accommodation/transport allowances are provided.
- No mention of performance metrics, bonus structure, or benefits (health, pension, professional development)—seek clarity on total compensation and incentive structure during interviews.
A Day in the Life
Your week alternates between Nairobi-based meetings and field presence across Kenya's flower-growing regions. Monday you're in the head office presenting a pipeline update to senior management and coordinating with logistics on a specialty fertilizer shipment; Tuesday–Wednesday you're in Naivasha or Nanyuki conducting farm visits with two key clients, troubleshooting crop issues, and demonstrating a new fungicide formulation. Thursday involves video calls with a co-operative in Thika to negotiate pricing, followed by CRM entry and a sales forecast report for your territory. Friday brings internal collaboration with product management to align messaging on competitor activity and a call with the finance team to discuss outstanding receivables from a large grower account. Throughout, you're building relationships, solving agronomic problems, and closing deals—all grounded in your technical knowledge and credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to be a Business Development Manager – Floriculture & Agri-Inputs at ETG?
You must hold a B.Sc. in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field, and have at least 8 years of progressive experience selling agri-inputs such as fertilizers or crop protection chemicals. Floriculture or horticulture experience is a significant advantage and will be weighted heavily during shortlisting.
Is the Business Development Manager – Floriculture & Agri-Inputs role at ETG remote?
No. While based in Nairobi, the role requires regular field presence and frequent travel across Naivasha, Thika, Nanyuki, and Eldoret to conduct farm visits and provide technical support. Plan for approximately 40–50% time in the field.
How much does a Business Development Manager – Floriculture & Agri-Inputs earn at ETG?
The posted salary range is KES 180,000–280,000 per month gross. This is competitive for mid-to-senior agri-inputs sales roles in Kenya and reflects 8+ years of experience and territory responsibility. Confirm whether bonuses, commission, or performance incentives are included in total compensation.
What are the career growth opportunities for this role?
As part of a global agribusiness conglomerate, strong performers can progress to Regional Sales Manager, Commercial Manager, or Business Unit Manager roles within the floriculture/horticulture division. ETG's presence across 45+ countries also opens opportunities for regional or international assignments as you build your expertise.
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