About Akeyo:

Akeyo is a social start-up with a mission to empower farmers through economically viable provision of advisory, equipment, input and market linkages. Building on savings groups, we supply equipment and video-based training to farmers on a fee-basis. Our ambition is to transform rural communities at scale by changing the way agricultural advisory services are delivered. Since we started in May 2024, we have proven the feasibility of the model and started selling to farmers and agents.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Area and Sales Manager to oversee the overall engagement and sales activities within the Uganda market directed toward smallholder farmers. This role requires a dynamic professional with a strong understanding of local market dynamics, customer needs, and competitor landscape to lead and expand our customer base. Akeyo's unique combination of farmer extension, savings groups and sales makes this role particularly interesting, as sales is driven by training of farmers. Engagement is done through videos and savings groups. Sales is primarily agricultural equipment and products.

The successful candidate will be responsible for building savings groups’ capacity, driving sales growth, managing relationships, and executing business strategies across multiple regions within Uganda. Akeyo is farmer centric, with a strong focus on integrity, performance and accountability.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales Strategy Implementation:

• Develop and execute regional engagement and sales plans aligned with company goals and market trends.
• Identify opportunities for growth within the area and implement strategies to achieve engagement and sales targets.

Team Management:

• Lead, train, and motivate a team of Engagement & Sales Supervisors and Akeyo Agents to achieve individual and team targets.
• Provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to maximize engagement and sales potential.
• Foster a high-performance engagement and sales culture with a focus on results and customer satisfaction.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with smallholder farmers, agents, distributors, and stakeholders.
• Work with agents to strengthen savings groups performance as a basis for sales.
• Drive creative marketing and behavior change communication toward productivity enhancing products, primarily by ensuring the deployment of videos and farmer training.
•  Handle farmer and agent complaints and ensure the highest levels of service and support.

Agricultural Market Research & Competitor Analysis:

• Conduct thorough market research to understand smallholder needs, seasonality, liquidity constraints and emerging trends.
• Listen deeply to agents, farmers, suppliers and stakeholders to understand farmer needs and agricultural markets, craft analyses and adjust sales plans to strengthen the competitive advantage of Akeyo.

Sales Reporting & Budget Management:

• Prepare weekly performance, engagement and sales reports, including performance analysis, market conditions, and competitor activity.
• Manage the sales budget for the area and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Forecast sales growth and track performance against goals.

Business Development and Brand Advocacy:

• Contribute to the continuous development of the company’s offerings and enhance brand awareness within the assigned territory.
• Proactively suggest changes to ensure local relevancy and adaptations where necessary.
• Represent the company at key events, conferences, and trade shows within the region.

Reporting and Communication:

• Conduct market intelligence and communicate relevant details to the Supervisor.
• Draft and share communication to all stakeholders using appropriate channels.
• Prepare sales reports and present them to senior management, detailing sales figures, team performance, market trends, and customer feedback.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Agriculture, Marketing, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in sales, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership or management role, preferably in the Ugandan market.
• Experience working with the agricultural sector, agricultural markets and/or smallholder farmers.
• Strong knowledge of the Ugandan market, including cultural dynamics in Kayunga and Buikwe, customer behavior, and industry trends.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets
• Ability to work independently and manage a team effectively.
• Fluent in both English and Luganda (others depending on the region).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Additional Attributes:

• Self-motivated with a strong drive for results.
• Knowledge of, or experience with, savings groups is an advantage (VSLA, SILCs, Savings for Change etc)
• Ability to use and learn new digital tools, for example Google Workspace, Excel, Kobo Collect, etc.
• Knowledge of CRM tools and sales software is an advantage.

Working Conditions:

• Frequent travel to the field – 80% of the time.
• Flexibility in working hours to accommodate the demands of the market.
• Salary range: Ugx 1.8M - 2.3M.