Press release
Cedrico Rhode’s journey – from trainee to regional manager – is a testament to the diverse career paths available in agriculture and the value of investing in people who grow with the industry.
Cedrico Rhode’s career journey proves that a fulfilling career in agriculture extends far beyond traditional farming. Today, the sector is deeply intertwined with retail, technology, sustainability, logistics, finance, marketing and even urban development.
“I like that my job offers so much diversity; you have to know something about everything if you work in an agri-retail environment,” he says.
Having grown up on an export farm in the Koue Bokkeveld, Cedrico Rhode has been interested in agriculture since childhood, witnessing the production of export fruit first-hand. It is this interest that led him to Agrimark in 2009 as a trainee manager at branches in Stellenbosch and Paarl.
Above: Cedrico Rhode (photo supplied)
Today he is the Agrimark regional manager for some of the Western Cape’s most important agri export production regions, including 14 Agrimark business units in the Breede River district, covering branches from Montagu and Little Karoo in the north to Hermanus and Bredasdorp in the south.
“Every branch I worked at felt like the start of something new. Waking up with a fresh approach each day, celebrating big and small wins, and learning from any loss motivates me.”
He credits his experience with Agrimark for equipping him with strong communication and management skills.
“From a customer perspective my time with Agrimark Operations has given me the ability to communicate with a wide range of customers, and to have an openness to listening to customers and assisting them. It has also taught me the value of listening to my colleagues, particularly what is not being said. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the growth in people around me as I’ve progressed in my career.”
He attributes his success today as manager to a targeted talent development programme offered by Agrimark that powered him from trainee to regional operations manager.
Arno Abeln, Agrimark’s Managing Director, explains that the company’s long-standing junior branch manager development programme is for high-potential individuals.
“During this intensive 18-month in-service training programme for retail managers, candidates are immersed in supply chain, retail operations and the very broad scope of customers served by Agrimark and are also mentored by senior managers within the company.”
In order to be considered for this programme, candidates must meet a number of criteria, including a national diploma in either agri sales and service management or another relevant field such as retail or business management and have the potential to fulfil talent needs within the business, amongst others.
“Such talent management strategies benefit the business by playing a crucial role in nurturing and retaining top-notch talent, whilst also enabling employees to reach their full potential,” he says.
Cedrico also completed both the Management and Senior Management Development Programmes at Stellenbosch University as part of the company’s commitment to growing leadership talent.
For anyone wanting to grow in their career in agriculture, Cedrico offers the following advice:
“Ask all the uncomfortable questions, even the ones that make you feel uncertain. Be a sponge in every situation and stay open to learning. Put up your hand for every project where you can learn and grow, as this is where hidden passions often emerge.”
He also believes it is important to look wider than your own working environment, especially in agriculture where the landscape is constantly changing. “You must always be aware of developments in the world and remain relevant amidst changes.”
Lastly, he says, positivity is a non-negotiable. “I aim to remain positive regardless of any situation. I always approach it as if we have already won. Once we start on a project or challenge, I aim to complete it successfully. I believe that it’s generally just a matter of figuring out how we will win,” he says.
Abeln encourages anyone at the start of their careers to consider agriculture and retail.
“Agrimark is always in search of talent and is committed to ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled professionals for the business. We’re passionate about helping people realise that we are part of a dynamic industry with amazing growth potential and fulfilling career paths,” he concludes.
Feature photo: Noel McShane on Pexels
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Relevant Agribook pages include “Careers and employment in agriculture“
