Field Sales Agronomist - Region 9 (Beloit)

at  Central Valley Ag Cooperative

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Agronomy or Agriculture or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in an agronomy sales role required.
• Proven history of delivery of results required.
• Takes responsibility for the way money and resources are used and managed.
• We believe in a culture of constant improvement.
• Possesses great interpersonal skills, planning and organizational skills.
• Makes good, sound decisions based on reasons, facts, analytics and observations.
• Develops contacts and relationships which are internal and external to the organization and facilitates work efforts or to gain support and cooperation from others.
• Great listening skills.
• Gives full attention to the person who is speaking and keeps mind focused on what the person is saying.
• Promotes a work environment that is safe for everyone.
• We value the highest ethical standard-our word is our bond.
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner and establish effective working relationships with internal operations and external customers.
• Be a problem solver for our producers.
• Strong competencies in computer applications including Microsoft products.
• Develops sales account plan by building account profile (vision, key strategies and objectives).
• Has an excellent understanding of product lines that we offer.
• Requires a competitive spirit and a desire to do well.
• Balances and satisfies the needs of all employees, customers, and suppliers. Is driven by the end result.

PURPOSE

As a Field Sales Agronomist at Central Valley Ag, you will be responsible for becoming a trusted advisor to area producers to supply them with their ag input needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creates and develops intimate relationships with targeted and assigned customers focusing on top business and relationship accounts.
• Works with patrons in a courteous and professional manner, soliciting new business as opportunities are presented.
• Develops an intimate knowledge of Central Valley Ag brands and delivers timely and accurate communication to targeted producers to drive value added sales.
• Creates, delivers and implements agronomic solutions for producers with the goal of improving customer’s ROI and increasing the agronomy bottom line.
• Utilizes seed, precision farming technology, finance and other marketing tools to grow market share.
• Manages customer accounts to include developing whole farm plans, forecasting agronomy inputs, price negotiations, technical coordination, contract preparations, contract closures, complaint resolution and contract collections.
• Partners with and understands the functional roles of the other Central Valley Ag team members to improve the efficiency and profitability of Central Valley Ag.
• Expands on current knowledge of agronomic products, trends, problems and challenges to make educated recommendations to producers.
• Utilizes current marketing programs, products, services and resources to sell agronomy products in an ethical manner.
• Provides timely and accurate communications, demand forecasts, customer complaints and sales reports and timely requests for competitive pricing, etc.
• Establishes and maintains effective public relations through customer education and the promotion of new products and services.
• Supports the Agronomy Superintendent and assists with agronomic recommendations as needed.
• Responsible for consulting with producers and making appropriate recommendations of fertilizer, seed, chemical and GPS products and services.
• Responsible for maintaining current customer base and developing new business.
• Carries out and is responsible for the development of the agronomy marketing program for location.
• Responsible for maintaining high customer satisfaction by handling complaints professionally.
• Calls on prospective producers to build new business and to increase sales.
• Facilities in the logistics of custom application equipment and products.
• Works with supervisor to discuss promotions and/or problems in the field.
• Keeps supervisor apprised of sales trends.
• Provides weekly report on inventory activity to management.
• Assists in plant operations.
• Assists with field scouting.
• Assists other employees in attaining Central Valley Ag company goals.
• Participates in and completes company required training programs.
• Participates in agronomy mentoring program.
• Supports Central Valley Ag’s RD platform by working with the Agronomy Consultative Service Manager to participate in RD platform series events.
• Ensures proper billing procedures.
• Comply with current Central Valley Ag credit policies.
• Maintains and promotes a safe work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.