Technical Service Manager

FMC Corporation•USA - FMC Tower, ND

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Technical Service Manager (TSM) handles all the technical support functions for their area on behalf of FMC. This person works closely with the sales team and the regional sales leadership in the region. The research testing funds to the universities flow through the Technical Services Manager as does training presentations, localized sales tools and customer complaints. The TSM collaborates closely with the other technical support personnel outside the local geography as well as the marketing, regulatory and product development groups. The TSM will work closely with the Regional Technical Manager to ensure the technical focus of the region is in harmony with the technical focus across the North America Crop Business.

Requirements

MS in Entomology, Plant Pathology/Physiology, Weed Science, Agronomy or other agricultural/related science or equivalent experience
5+ years’ experience in technical support, selling chemical crop protection, seed or agronomy services
Certified Crop Advisor or equivalent certification desired
Excellent speaking, writing, and computer skills
Working knowledge of ARM
Capable of designing protocols and research projects that creatively and effectively demonstrate the features and benefits of agronomic inputs.
Key contributor on complex projects
Proven ability to effectively transfer technically complex information to an audience with more limited technical expertise
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively under pressure, navigate contentious situations and resolve conflict
Ability to build and sustain strong business relationships with customers and teammates.
Demonstrated ability to make decisions under minimum supervision; occasionally makes decisions of a complex nature within operating guidelines
Ability to develop and service business relationships with agronomy staff of key retail accounts
Demonstrated ability to make independent judgments with review from management; makes decisions of a complex nature where independent judgment and creativity are required
Demonstrated ability to effectively negotiate with customers, teammates and management
Experience leading projects or special assignment involving work outside the area/region
Recognition as a valuable technical resource to others within the sales organization
Demonstrated independence in leading projects
Ability to live within the TS region to effectively service Sales and customer needs and other requirements of the role.

Nice To Haves

PhD preferred

Responsibilities

Maintain strong technical knowledge of commercial agriculture, new technologies and competitive chemistries & positioning impacting the business
Build and maintain strong working relationships with university extension personnel and other important influencers in the territory to ensure they are adequately prepared to recommend FMC products upon launch and that FMC and our products are represented fairly in publications and in live field and industry events
Develop, execute & supervise appropriate support activities aligned with key initiatives as outlined in the annual FMC Goals and Objectives
Work hand in hand with Product Development teammates to ensure testing programs are aligned with market trends and that the Technical Service Manager is well educated regarding development projects as launch time approaches
Manage expenses, service to sales dollars & product demo budget consistent & aligned with key regional initiatives
Provide technical product training & give regional guidance on complaint handling and assist Field Sales Representatives (FSRs) in complaint calls where necessary for agronomic expertise, problem diagnosis, and input on resolution.
Manage, implement & supervise research testing funds and influence trial plans through the grant-in-aid (GIA) budget that are aligned with regional sales and marketing objectives
Develop various training modules & take the lead in providing technical consulting & training to internal & external groups. Focus on new product launches & leading the technical transfer of information to sales teams & key customer groups
Provide necessary proof of validation using sound data and information for label updates, amendments and assist regulatory department with label use instructions
Produce sales tools such as newsletters, technical recommendation sheets and other sales collateral
Carefully review, edit and approve technical, sales, marketing and or advertising communications
Continue to strengthen the communication between other regional technical support groups and internal functional groups
Analyze regional agronomic trends and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.
Mentor and coach junior Technical Service Representatives.