Juma Collins

Experience

• 

  Western Seed Company

  Aug 2008 - Oct 2010

  Senior Field Technician

  • Assessing the quality of seeds both in the packing house and in the field• Ensuring right seed isolation either in time or in space as required by KEPHIS• To ensure that all mating designs and irrigation nursery fields in research station are adhered to.• Helping the maize breeder in designing of nurseries, selection of entries for advancement and trials, data entry their evaluation, and selection at research farms and in multi-locational sites for trials.• Ensure the seed store is highly maintained and pest free at all times.• Educating farmers on agronomic knowledge and advanced agricultural ways to boost their yields at low costs during field days.• Carrying out field demonstrations during farmers’ field days and agricultural shows. Show less

• 

  International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

  Jan 2013 - Dec 2018

  Research Associate

  • With the guidance of the maize breeders I actively take part in the designing of maize breeding nurseries and trials• Supervision of field breeding activities including seed preparation, planting and harvesting of nurseries and trials• Coordinate the planting and execution of managed optimum, random stress and managed drought stress maize trials• Assist in the management, planting and execution of managed Maize Lethal Necrotic (MLN) Disease maize trials• Manage pollinations in maize breeding nurseries• Lead in the sampling of maize plant parts, particularly leaves for molecular marker research and their safe handling, transport and storage• Assist in the management of seed shipments to collaborators and other CIMMYT locations.• Participate in the execution of maize breeding multi-locational trials mainly in but not limited to Kenya• Supervision of field technical staff, students and skilled labour• Managing seed storage including labeling and seed inventories• Organize data capture, data management and data analysis• Manage tools and equipment at various sites mainly in but not limited to Kenya• Oversee the economic aspect of labour in various sites mainly in but not limited to Kenya• Actively participate in the training of students and farmers on maize research system, optimal maize production and statistical methods and designs. Show less

• 

  Monsanto Company

  Jan 2019 - May 2021

  Market Development Representative - Eastern Africa - Vegetable Division

  Execution of the field-testing program which utilizes Research and Development protocols to support key business drivers for all facets of Bayer Vegetable products in Eastern Africa region including Trait and Product characterization, Product positioning, market intelligence and best crop practices. Local market development (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Burundi and Rwanda); identify customer value, the gaps that the new technology needs to address and solutions for current technical needs with commercial portfolio. Knowledge transfer, demonstration and education of the product and system recommendations to both Research and Development and Commercial unitsProvide marketing foresight and support on development and execution of Africa strategy, working closely with East, Central, Western and South Africa Commercial Teams.Value proposition development of customized agronomic solutions for the key crops in area of responsibility to support sales and business growth targets.Leading and developing efficient people and teams within the area of responsibility.Manage data using internal database systems and prepare summaries as required to meet businessneeds and packages to support solutions and positioning as required.Optimization and positioning of key new product introductionsDevelops a plan (New Variety Profiling and Introductions) and implements activities to capture the full potential of product launches including distribution strategy, pricing and promotion.Analyze current product range life cycle with replacement and new introductions in mind.Build product profile as technical expert in territory (build presence with key growers, retails and 3rd party consultants, develop content for growing knowledge publication as well as external technicalpublications, participate in industry events and organizations where appropriate, create awareness with digital media as a technical expert for relevant crop(s) production. Show less

• 

  Bayer

  Jun 2021 - now

  Lead The Bayer Vegetable Seeds Market Development Representative team in Africa in generating demand through value proposition of Bayer Vegetable Seed products.Lead and champion partnerships that lead to strategic positioning of our products for consumer benefits and Revenue GenerationResource and People ManagementProduct Development and Positioning Planning Launch Programs and managing Forecasts for NVI's, Pre-Commercial Varieties, and Market Extentions Budget , OPEX, CAPEX Allocations and ManagementTalent Development and Management Participate in Strategic development, review and planning for Africa Show less Lead The Bayer Vegetable Seeds Market Development Representative team in Eastern Africa in generating demand through value proposition of Bayer Vegetable Seed products.Resource and People ManagementProduct Development and PositioningPlanning Launch Programs and managing Forecasts for NVI's, Pre-Commercial Varieties, and Market ExtentionsBudget , OPEX, CAPEX Allocations and ManagementTalent Development and Management Participate in Strategic reviews and planning, Show less Applied Field research: Coordinate & conduct field applied research for product placement and tailored solutions under local environmental conditions.Provide timely completion of projects, trials to meet the local market needs, and integrity of the data collected. Communicates actionable insights based on sound data analysis using appropriate and scientific methods.Digital & Analytics: Use Sales Force, Spotfire and FTS to collect high quality data and insights to strengthen the company’s understanding of customer needs.Product Portfolio & Agronomic Knowledge:To provide agronomic and portfolio knowledge and competitor insights.Advise stakeholders on farmer best practices and positioning tailored solutions.Knowledge TransferLead and consistently guide & provide feedback to help strengthen specific knowledge among diverse stakeholder groups to position products, demonstrate value and provide technical recommendations that supports customer success. Lead technical training of internal teams, distributors and growers on key Features, Advantages, Benefits (FABs) of the vegetable product portfolioBusiness Engagement & Planning: Participate in alignment meetings of commercial team and influence the strategic direction of the breeding and research programs through analysis of market trends, competitive landscape and new technologies. Participate in implementing local launch strategies of new vegetable seed products and/or solutions for East Africa and the entire Sub-Saharan Africa. Demand Creation and Value PropositionLead the demand creation team in CEA to create a pull for our products.Collaborate with distributors, internal stakeholders and strategic influencers across agriculture to provide technical solutions beyond advancements in genetic gain. Actively participate in farmer field events (field days, grower summits, grower meetings) to generate demand for the vegetable portfolio at customers level. Show less

  • Market Development Manager - Africa - Vegetables By Bayer

    Jun 2023 - now

  • Market Development Manager - East Africa - Vegetables By Bayer

    Oct 2022 - May 2023

  • Market Development Representative

    Jun 2021 - Sept 2022