Sales Representative

Gowan Company • Gowan Seed Illinois Salaried, IL, US, IL

4d

About The Position

The Territory Sales Representative drives sales and builds relationships with customers, distributors, and key influencers in the agricultural industry within an assigned region. The role promotes crop protection products and services while managing sales objectives, forecasting, and supply management. The representative serves as a technical expert supporting sales needs in the territory and works with customers, product managers, and other stakeholders.

The role is centrally located in Illinois, ideally, and involves frequent travel within the assigned territory. The representative works independently and as part of a larger sales and technical team, including in field conditions and on hands-on product demonstrations and field trials. Seasonal workloads and longer hours during peak agricultural periods are expected.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of field and sales experience in the crop protection industry.
• Strong knowledge of agricultural practices and crop protection products within the assigned region.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate scientific information into actionable insights for non-technical clients.
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with customers, distributors, and key influencers in the agricultural industry.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Team-oriented approach and commitment to supporting company sales objectives and building a strong regional presence.
• Ability to travel frequently within the assigned territory to meet customers and distributors and attend industry events.
• Ability to work in field conditions and perform hands-on tasks related to product demonstrations and field trials.
• Commitment to achieving sales goals and promoting the company’s values and services in the region.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Plant Science, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A bachelor’s degree with significant field and sales experience in the crop protection industry may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Achieve sales budget objectives and manage sales support expenses, including business promotion and daily business activities.
• Oversee general business functions such as forecasting, supply management, and responding to performance inquiries.
• Build and maintain relationships with key customers, distributors, and industry influencers.
• Develop champions within the distribution network by fostering support and rapport at distribution field locations.
• Engage key growers and commodity groups to promote product usage and gather feedback.
• Advocate for the territory within the company, aligning resources and strategies with regional needs.
• Identify and champion new product opportunities and potential uses suited to the region.
• Develop long-term business plans, covering two to three years, focused on key products and future growth opportunities.
• Propose and manage field trials and development work to explore new product opportunities.
• Provide accurate forecasts to support future needs and growth within the territory.
• Enhance the company’s regional reputation by gathering market intelligence and actively promoting the brand.
• Provide internal teams with insights on market trends and customer needs to inform global strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level