Agronomy Sales Manager

This job description is a summary of essential job functions necessary for the satisfactory performance of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Job functions may vary by location.

Work with Grower/Producer farm accounts and apply demonstrated sales ability to grow sales while maintaining existing customer base. You will call on existing customers as well as prospective Growers/Producers in Southern States' footprint and provide technical expertise. This position will include sale of products and programs. (Eligible for Sales Commission Program)

• Independently calls on customers to solicit sales, handles questions about products, and makes recommendations on best practices related to our products and services.
• Partners with General Manager and/or Assistant General Manager and Operations Managers to coordinate sales efforts, develop prospect lists, provide market intelligence, and coordinate product delivery schedules.
• Participates in local community meetings such as grower meetings, USDA and Extension meetings, and is active on county extension boards or Ag related councils.
• Provides technical assistance and related information to customers regarding best management practices. Assists customers with weed and pest identification and recommends appropriate SSC products and services.
• Coordinates all resources needed to solve customer's issues and complaints. Works with Product Specialists, Buyers, Agronomist, Vendors, and corporate management staff to resolve questions and concerns. Maintains strong relationships with state land grant universities and local county extension personnel.
• Uses the CRM Tool to maintain accurate customer records, prospect lists, and report weekly sales calls to both customers and prospects. Transmits weekly fieldwork reports and weekly expense voucher to General Manager.
• Plans and coordinates commodity and grower meetings with current customers and prospects.
• Promotes use of John Deere Financial, Grow Master and other company programs as sales tools for building new business.
• Represents the Cooperative in a professional manner by wearing approved company uniform and maintaining a neat and well-maintained vehicle.
• Attends schools and training sessions on selling and servicing accounts, and staying up-to-date on industry trends and SSC products and services. Takes advantage of all available resources, including internet searches as well as other more traditional sources, to improve effectiveness.
• Pursues continuing education by attending Crops Certification seminars where applicable, and may possess CDL license, and other Ag related certifications.
• Performs other responsibilities and duties as assigned by supervisor. Qualifications

  Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree in agronomy preferred. A combination of training and experience may be considered in lieu of completed degree

  Experience:
  
  3-5 years of Agronomic sales experience preferred

  Experience with field scouting in making sound agronomic recommendations

  Requirements
• Knowledge of Crop Precision Ag programs (GPS, gridding, mapping, precision crop plans)
• Able to sell the complete line of fertilizer, seed and chemicals
• Able to develop sales strategies and techniques to increase sales and meet sales goals
• Able to learn and present programs to Growers/Producers in group or individual settings
• Effective communication, organizational and presentation skills
• PC proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Able to travel up to 95%, limited overnight stay
• Work Environment

  The work environment will vary based on location. Essential job functions are performed indoors in a climate controlled environment, in a warehouse environment subject to seasonal temperatures and humidity, and outdoors unprotected from weather conditions.

• Regularly exposed to hazards including:
• Merchandise, supplies and tools with sharp edges or containing hazardous materials
• Dust, odors, fumes and hazardous chemicals associated with sales and storage of petroleum/propane, dry and liquid fertilizers, crop protectants and other agricultural products
• Moving mechanical parts and…