Sales Associate Ag Lending

Compeer Financial • Freeport, OR

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Empowered to live. Inspired to work. Compeer Financial is a member-owned cooperative located in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together team members with a variety of backgrounds and experiences to help provide financial services to support agriculture and rural communities. Join us in a culture that not only promotes meaningful work and professional development, but provides a flexible, hybrid work environment and excellent benefits, which empower you to thrive both personally and professionally. This position participates in a 6-18-month training program designed to develop a high-performing sales team member. The primary focus of the program is sales training, with a particular emphasis on Ag Lending and Crop and Livestock Insurance. The incumbent follows a comprehensive syllabus that includes modules on Sales, Crop Insurance, Credit, Appraisal, and Marketing. Upon successful completion of the program, the incumbent is well-prepared to assume a sales position in Ag Lending or Crop and Livestock Insurance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics, ag business or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essentials functions of the job.
• Ability to obtain an Insurance License within six months of hire is required.
• Ability to make sound judgments is required.
• Solid organizational, interpersonal, communication, problem solving, analytical, negotiating and influencing skills are required.
• Knowledge of farm production methods and products, a general understanding of farm business management and finance.
• Must demonstrate effective team building and processing skills.
• The understanding of and ability to use various computer, business/financial applications is required.
• Knowledge of loan products and services, as well as credit operations.
• Effective interpersonal, communication, client service and team skills.
• Effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office applications and customer relationship management (CRM) programs.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other teams to achieve goals and represent the business.
• Ability to network with clients, prospects and key influencers.
• Knowledge of accounting principles with an understanding of financial reports, ratio and benchmarks.
• Travel is required during the training program.
• Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in agribusiness/farming industry, agricultural credit or closely related field preferred.
• Knowledge of “value added” business and farming concepts.

Responsibilities

• Participates in classroom and experiential training to gain in-depth understanding of the agricultural industry.
• Facilitates learning and collaboration by engaging with team members across Compeer’s diverse geographical locations.
• Attends agricultural meetings, farm open houses/tours, trade shows, extension meetings and other networking events to keep current on agriculture and financial market changes.
• Attends education events, training events and industry meetings to advance professional and technical skills.
• Markets loans and related services, establishing new market relationships that will contribute towards attainment of Compeer’s goals and business objectives.
• Assists with the maintenance of prospect files, establishing ongoing prospecting plans and activities, and developing and making a commitment to individual sales goals for both loans and related services.
• Administers loans, policies and appraisals to cultivate positive client relationships that contribute to Compeer’s success.
• Assists in building client relationships and prospecting new clients, while collaborating with experienced sales team members to establish criteria for long-term success.
• Accompanies sales team members on client and prospect visits, and actively participates in the sales process.
• Processes loans, utilizes loan origination system, and analyzes financial information assigned by Marketplace Leadership.
• Assists with research as directed by team leader to advance the department or organization.
• Fills in for a departed full-time sales person until a full-time position is hired.
• Provides support with responsibilities during the vacancy of a full-time sales position as needed.

Benefits

• Hybrid model – up to 50% work from home
• Flexible schedules including ample flexibility in the summer months
• Up to 9% towards 401k (3% fixed Compeer contribution plus up to 6% match)
• Benefits: medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA, life & AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability, wellness program & EAP
• Vacation, sick leave, holidays/floating holidays, parental leave, and volunteer paid time off
• Learning and development programs
• Mentorship programs
• Cross-functional committee opportunities (i.e. Inclusion Council, emerging professional groups, etc.)
• Professional membership/certification reimbursement and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees