Seed Department Manager, AGRILAND FS

POSITION

SEED DEPARTMENT MANAGER, AGRILAND FS

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

This position will report to the Director of Agronomy and will be responsible for the sales and marketing of the Seed area of AGRILAND FS. She/he will assure the financial performance and profitable growth consistent with the policies and practices of AGRILAND FS.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides marketing and sales leadership for the District Seed Sales Representatives, Crop Specialists and location teams.
• Works closely with Agronomy Sales Managers to develop seed strategies and best practices that will be predictive of seed growth and success.
• Leads implementation of all seed strategies and programs to meet objectives.
• Provides proactive leadership for training/developmental plans that improves marketing effectiveness and serves as foundation for seed sales across the sales team.
• Establishes seed performance standards, goals and development/implementation of business plans for achieving company financial objectives.
• Performs performance reviews along with regular coaching and counseling of agronomy.
• Utilizes appropriate seed sales administration practices and reporting process for the purpose of measuring progress towards specific objectives with the use of technology.
• Identifies and implements best practices which lead to strong financial performance and outstanding customer service.
• Provides input for company seed marketing, operational, business and procurement strategies and program development.
• Manages seed pricing policies to maximize gross and service income.
• Assists in providing technical information for agronomy, seed sales and marketing.
• Provides input on the recruitment and employment of Crop Specialists, Business Relationship Manager’s, and Seed Sales personnel.
• Manages seed business controls and procedures.
• Provides input into agronomy/seed product mix.
• Assists in the assessment of strengths and weaknesses of competitors and understands the market.
• Provides recommendations for annual budgets, fixed asset purchases and leases, contractual obligations and other matters requiring Director of Agronomy and Seed approval.
• Understands and actively pursues the vision of AGRILAND FS.
• Maintains professional image and supports the sound business practices and ethics of AGRILAND FS.
• Performs all duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Normally requires a college degree or equivalent thereof, plus 5-7 years sales experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of seed, fertilizer and crop protection products.
• Demonstrated knowledge of market analysis, pricing strategies, and supply forecasts.
• Proven sales leadership and demonstrate closing techniques.
• Proven ability to build relationships, identify producer needs and make whole farm proposals.
• Proven professional communication, customer service, interpersonal, presentation, and persuasion skills.
• Demonstrated planning, time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated the ability to be self-directed, make decisions, and work in a team-oriented environment.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license. Requires overnight travel on a limited basis.
• Ability to lift seed bags up to 70 pounds.