Account Manager, Western Iowa

The Account Manager will be responsible for prospecting, acquiring, and building Verdesian’s base of retailers within an assigned territory selling the entire Verdesian product portfolio. There will be an emphasis on training potential/newly acquired retailers on product benefits and usage.  Account Managers are expected to demonstrate product expertise and mastery of the sales process. They will develop annual territory plans and business plans with their VIP customers. They will complete accurate and timely forecasting to ensure adequate product supply. They will manage their OPEX budgets to ensure they are good stewards of the resources entrusted to them. They will engage with Marketing and R&D to ensure products are developed to meet the needs of their customers.  Sales efforts to be supported by strategic marketing plans and product trainings.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Drive business growth in assigned region calling on and building business with new retailers, establishing a recurring book of business, to achieve territory revenue and profit targets
• Own the entire sales cycle from cold calling and initial retailer engagement to selling products and managing the retailer
• Maintain a high-level of product knowledge & develop strong relationships to become a consultant with prospective/acquired retailers overcoming market challenges and positioning the value of Verdesian products
• Develop business plans to strategically target retailers in assigned territory forecasting future sales and budgets
• Leverage and execute lead generation campaigns and research trials as appropriate
• Structure weekly/monthly sales efforts to achieve business plans and territory target
• Anticipate retailer and territory needs regularly engaging marketing, customer service, and other departments to share market trends and prepare for future territory growth
• Understand and deploy a working knowledge of EPA and state regulations
• Facilitate business relationships contributing to public relations
• Populate customer relationship management (CRM) tool on weekly basis
• Other Account Manager duties not listed above as required

Criteria:

• Strong communication (both written and verbal) and presentation skills
• Proven ability to develop deep working relationships
• Ability to clearly articulate key product benefits and selling points based on retailer needs
• Proven persuasion and negotiation skills
• Effective time management and organization skills to succeed in fast-paced environment
• Proven track record in business to business sales environment
• Ability to work with and establish rapport with Chemical Fertilizer Dealership Staff, Certified Crop Advisors, and Independent Crop Consultants
• Ability to interface and engage with academic arenas
• Maintain a clean driving record with ability to travel long distances
• Experience in lead generation and qualification a plus
• Strong understanding of biological technologies as related to agriculture a plus

Verdesian Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex, and sexual orientation.