What are the responsibilities and job description for the Regional Agronomy Manager position at Klendworth Project Company, LLC?
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management:
- Manage a team of agronomy professionals, including agronomists, sales reps, and field applicators.
- Provide mentorship, training, and development opportunities to team members to ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest agronomic practices, technologies, and products.
- Foster a collaborative and performance-driven culture within the team.
Strategic Planning & Business Development:
- Develop and implement regional agronomy strategies and business plans that align with overall company objectives.
- Identify growth opportunities, develop sales strategies, and execute tactics to expand agronomy service offerings and product sales within the region.
- Set regional sales and service goals, track progress, and adjust strategies as necessary to meet or exceed targets.
Customer Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, including farmers, farm managers, and agricultural businesses.
- Act as the primary point of contact for major clients, providing technical expertise and advising them on crop production, soil health, and pest management.
- Respond to customer needs and concerns in a timely and effective manner, ensuring customer satisfaction and retention.
Technical Support & Consultation:
- Provide advanced agronomic advice and support for customers, assisting with soil testing, crop recommendations, fertilization plans, and integrated pest management (IPM).
- Ensure that agronomy practices align with sustainability goals, environmental regulations, and local farming conditions.
- Stay updated on the latest research, technologies, and industry trends to ensure the region’s offerings are cutting-edge and relevant.
Product & Service Management:
- Oversee the sale and application of agronomy products such as fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products, and soil amendments.
- Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to ensure product availability, pricing, and quality standards are met.
- Monitor product performance in the field, ensuring it meets customer expectations and addresses agronomic challenges.
Operational Efficiency & Compliance:
- Ensure that all agronomy operations in the region are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations related to pesticide application, environmental impact, and safety.
- Manage budgets for the agronomy department, ensuring effective cost control and efficient resource allocation.
- Monitor the performance of regional agronomy services, continuously identifying areas for improvement in product delivery, customer service, and operational processes.
Data Management & Reporting:
- Analyze and interpret agronomic data, such as soil tests, yield data, and crop performance metrics, to support decision-making.
- Provide regular reports to senior management on regional performance, market trends, customer feedback, and operational challenges.
- Maintain accurate records of all customer interactions, sales, and agronomy services delivered within the region.
Marketing & Industry Representation:
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and field days, showcasing the company’s agronomy products and services.
- Develop marketing strategies and materials to promote agronomy services within the region, targeting both current and prospective customers.
- Stay connected with industry associations, academic institutions, and research organizations to enhance the company's reputation and keep informed of industry developments.
Key Skills & Qualifications:
- Agronomy Expertise: In-depth knowledge of soil science, crop production, pest management, and the latest agronomic technologies and trends.
- Leadership Skills: Proven experience in managing and leading teams, fostering collaboration, and driving results.
- Customer-Focused: Strong ability to build relationships and provide high-level customer service in the agricultural industry.
- Sales & Business Acumen: Ability to drive sales, develop business plans, and meet financial targets, with experience in agronomy sales or services.
- Analytical Thinking: Strong data analysis skills to interpret agronomic data and make informed recommendations for improving yields and reducing costs.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex agronomic concepts to a variety of audiences.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly assess situations and implement effective solutions to agronomic or operational challenges.
- Technology Savvy: Familiarity with precision agriculture, farm management software, and data analytics tools.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Crop Science, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is a plus, especially for those pursuing higher-level roles.
- 5-7 years of experience in agronomy, crop management, or agricultural services with at least 2-3 years in a managerial or leadership role.