Product Strategy Manager, Crop Protection WG1072

Summit Search Group is proud to partner with UFA in the recruitment of a Product Strategy Manager, Crop Protection, an important commercial leadership role within UFA's growing agriculture business.

UFA is at an exciting point in its evolution. With continued investment in agriculture, expansion through acquisition, and a growing crop inputs business, the organization is building new capabilities and strengthening how it brings products and solutions to producers across Western Canada. The acquisition of AgriCity has added another dimension to that strategy, creating new opportunities to build UFA's own post-patent crop protection portfolio alongside established branded products.

The Product Strategy Manager will play a key role in shaping how that portfolio comes together. Working across suppliers, sales, supply chain and internal teams, this individual will help determine what UFA sells, how it is sourced, how it is priced and positioned, and how the portfolio delivers value to both customers and the business.

The Opportunity

The Product Strategy Manager will be responsible for the strategy and performance of UFA's crop protection portfolio, including product selection, pricing, purchasing, inventory planning, market positioning and vendor relationships.

A significant part of the role will involve working with leading crop protection manufacturers while also helping UFA develop and position its growing portfolio of proprietary post-patent products. UFA will continue to be an important customer and partner to major manufacturers while increasingly bringing its own products to market.

The successful candidate will understand both sides of that equation and navigate it with sound commercial judgment, strong relationships and clear communication.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute product strategies for UFA's crop protection portfolio, including product selection, pricing, positioning and overall portfolio performance.
• Build strong relationships with major crop protection manufacturers and suppliers, negotiating programs, agreements, rebates and other commercial arrangements.
• Develop purchase and inventory plans in partnership with Supply Chain to ensure product availability while effectively managing inventory and risk.
• Help shape how branded and UFA-owned post-patent products fit together within the portfolio and support the launch and commercialization of new products.
• Work closely with Sales to translate supplier programs, market intelligence and competitive activity into clear pricing and product strategies.
• Monitor the market, customer needs and competitor activity to identify new opportunities, sourcing options and potential risks.
• Provide fact-based recommendations and business cases to leadership while working across Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing and other teams to execute product strategies.
• Lead and develop members of the Product Strategy team and contribute to building future capability within the business.

What You Bring

• Approximately 10+ years of progressive experience within crop protection, agricultural inputs or a closely related sector.
• Experience in product management, brand management, portfolio strategy, category management or a similar commercial role.
• Strong knowledge of crop protection products and the Western Canadian agricultural market.
• Experience developing product or brand strategies, including pricing, positioning and bringing products to market.
• Strong commercial and analytical capability, with an understanding of purchasing, inventory and the financial drivers of a successful product portfolio.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with manufacturers, suppliers, sales teams and internal stakeholders.
• A practical, collaborative approach and the ability to adapt quickly as weather, supply, competitive activity and customer demand change the plan.

A degree in agriculture, business, commerce or a related discipline would be an asset, but relevant industry experience and demonstrated commercial capability will be equally important.

For more information, or to submit your resume, please contact Gail Eckert at Summit Search Group: [email protected]

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