Job opportunity: Business Development Trainee

• Job Description: Business Development Trainee
• Company: Grassland Cameroon Ltd.
• Reports to: Business Development Associate
• Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon
• Compensation: Competitive

Who We Are

Grassland Cameroon Ltd. is a dynamic company specializing in food storage, drying, and distribution. We work closely with smallholder farmers, providing them with essential support such as input loans and training throughout the growing season. This enables them to enhance their productivity and improve the quality of their crops. We transform their produce into standardized, high-quality products that are sold across Cameroon, ensuring buyers receive top-notch goods.

What We Do

Our mission is to offer financial solutions to smallholder farmers through asset-based credit, which includes fertilizers, seeds, and crop protection products. This empowers farmers to be more productive. We further transform their harvested crops into graded products that meet strict quality standards, distributing them across various market segments in Cameroon.

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and people-oriented individual with a background in FMCG sales and institutional partnerships. The ideal candidate should feel confident in diverse environments, whether it’s in a corporate boardroom, a production facility, or directly on the farms.

The successful candidate must have a strong understanding of the food & beverage industry trends, local regulations, and quality assurance requirements, as well as global industry shifts. A keen attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks are crucial. This role will support the sales & marketing team and collaborate closely with production teams, playing an integral part in driving our business forward.

Grassland Cameroon Ltd is recruiting a Business Development Trainee for its activities.

Job Description: Sales and Business Development Role

Key Responsibilities:

1. Customer Development & Retention

• Build, maintain, and strengthen positive relationships with our existing clients to ensure long-term collaboration and satisfaction.
• Manage and update the customer database, track activity, monitor annual goals, and document the grain procurement process for each client.

1. Sales Tracking & Reporting

• Collaborate with internal teams (Finance, Production, HR) to ensure resources are aligned with sales targets and business needs.
• Regularly track and report on sales performance, inventory levels, and production speed, working alongside the production and sales teams to maintain efficiency.

1. Company Events & Trade Fairs

• Represent the company at trade fairs, industry forums, and local policy workshops, enhancing visibility and brand presence.
• Research and identify relevant events in the market to ensure effective participation and representation.
• Coordinate all aspects of the company’s presence at events, from initial planning through to execution, even in your absence.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in professional sales or business development.
• Strong multitasking abilities, with a proven track record of managing diverse projects and workstreams simultaneously.
• Proficient in business software, including professional email communication, Excel, PowerPoint analysis, and strong typing skills.
• CRM platform experience is an advantage.
• Background in business startups is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills are essential.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with effective communication across all organizational levels.
• Willingness to travel frequently, as required by the role.
• Proficiency in English and French (both spoken and written) is required.
• Comfortable using Google Drive, Trello, Slack, Zoom, and other internal platforms.

What We Offer:

• Be part of a rapidly growing organization, contributing to its success and revenue generation.
• Work alongside a unique team of world-class professionals, allowing you to remain true to yourself while advancing your career.
• Enjoy personal and professional growth as you help build a leading local brand.
• Contribute to improving the livelihoods of the world’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring sustainable and profitable solutions.

How to Apply:

If you are excited about this opportunity, we would love to hear from you! Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@grassland-africa.com by January 31, 2025. In your cover letter, share what excites you the most about this role and the challenges you anticipate.