Agronomy Sales Manager

Southern States Cooperative•Richmond, VA

2d•$48,000 - $75,000•Remote

About The Position

This position is responsible for working with Grower/Producer farm accounts and applying demonstrated sales ability to grow sales while maintaining an existing customer base. You will call on existing customers as well as prospective Growers/Producers throughout Southern States' footprint and provide technical expertise and agronomic recommendations. This position is responsible for developing customer relationships, identifying sales opportunities, and promoting Southern States products, services, and programs. The role combines agronomic knowledge, consultative selling, and business development to help customers achieve their production goals while supporting sales growth. Compensation includes a base salary range of $48,000-$75,000 and eligibility for participation in the Southern States Sales Commission Program. Commission earnings, if any, are based on individual sales performance and applicable program terms.

Requirements

Knowledge of Crop Precision Ag programs (GPS, gridding, mapping, precision crop plans).
Ability to sell a complete line of fertilizer, seed, and crop protection products.
Ability to develop sales strategies and techniques to increase sales and achieve sales objectives.
Ability to learn and present programs to Growers/Producers in group or individual settings.
Effective communication, organizational, relationship-building, and presentation skills.
PC proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Ability to travel up to 95%, with limited overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy preferred. A combination of training and experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree.
3-5 years of agronomic sales experience preferred.
Experience with field scouting and making sound agronomic recommendations.
Experience developing customer relationships and supporting business growth preferred.
May possess CDL license and other agriculture-related certifications.

Responsibilities

Independently calls on existing customers and prospective customers to generate sales, answer questions about products, recommend solutions, and support customer success.
Develops and maintains customer relationships to support customer retention and sales growth.
Identifies and pursues new business opportunities within an assigned territory.
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 resources needed to address customer questions, concerns, and complaints. Works with Product Specialists, Buyers, Agronomists, Vendors, and corporate management staff to resolve issues and provide solutions.
Maintains professional relationships with state land grant universities and local county extension personnel.
Uses CRM tools to maintain accurate customer records, prospect lists, and sales activity reports. Transmits required reports and expense documentation.
Plans and coordinates commodity and grower meetings with current customers and prospects.
Promotes the use of John Deere Financial, GrowMaster, and other company programs as tools for supporting customer relationships and sales efforts.
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 stays current on industry trends and SSC products and services. Utilizes available resources to improve sales effectiveness and customer support.
Pursues continuing education by attending Crop Certification seminars where applicable and may possess CDL license and other agriculture-related certifications.
Performs other responsibilities and duties as assigned by supervisor.