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Form of workJob Description
The Agronomy Account Manager (AAM) builds and maintains positive relationships with member owners resulting in the sales of fertilizers, chemicals, and seed while improving our members financial success. The AAM will also conduct on farm sales calls to analyze farmer needs as well as taking on some operational responsibilities during the spring and fall agronomy seasons. The AAM enables growers to utilize Northern Partners Cooperative services and products to enhance their profitability and satisfaction.
Essential Functions:
- Sales Expertise: Recommend fertilizers, chemicals, and seed producing the greatest yield and profitability for members. Write up product orders and verify price to maintain margins. Submit orders for processing and follow up with procurement. Help coordinate product delivery or application with Location Manager. Grows the current market share. Assists in developing competitive marketing strategies. Agronomy Sales and Marketing Director (ASMD) will establish annual goals for AAM. AAM will complete a business plan for the ASMD for approval and execution. Identify opportunities to cross-sell for other areas of the business. (35%)
- Prevention: Develop plans for pest infestations and other crop related issues. Scout fields to monitor crop progress. Communicates with producers on crop development. Makes recommendations for additional treatments or applications to improve crop production. Conduct testing and communicate the results to the supplier. (25%)
- Communication: Communicates with Location Manager regarding the timing of producers’ applications. Communicates with Agronomy Operations regarding field locations, provides application maps and instructions for product placement, and any other application concerns. Follows up with producers after application and resolves any application issues. Communicates with Office Administrator to ensure accurate records and billing in a timely manner. (15%)
- Analysis: Analyzes soil test results after soil sampling and communicating results to the producer along with recommendations. Communicates soil needs on the level the producer will understand. Collaborates with ASMD to maintain inventory at acceptable levels that assure service with a minimum of delivery delays yet maintain efficient levels. (10%)
- Customer Service & Safety: Maintain a positive culture for both staff and patrons. Greet customers in a friendly and courteous manner, thank them for their business. Lose no customers due to careless performance or services provided. Ensure customers are informed on safe product handling. Keep current on all safety practices and procedures. If conditions arise, make the Operations and Safety Director aware. Support cross-divisional collaboration whenever possible. (10%)
- Agronomy Operations and Maintenance: Assist in all operational duties in the agronomy division as directed by the Location Manager and Agronomy Sales and Marketing Director. Assisting in agronomy operations will be prioritized by season and staffing needs. This may include deliveries to customers, delivery of products to NPC applicators in the field, and general maintenance functions in the agronomy division at any location. (15% seasonal)
- Other: Other duties as assigned. (5%)
Experience & Education:
- Associate degree in agriculture or related field preferred.
- Bachelor’s Degree in in agriculture or related field is a plus.
- Valid Driver’s License is required
- Clean driving record required.
- Commercial Operator/Applicator License required (We will provide assistance obtaining).
- Class A CDL required with tanker and HAZMAT endorsements (We will provide assistance obtaining).
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in plant production, crop scouting or other areas of Agronomy obtained through internships, work experience, or family farms a plus.
- Minimum 3 years of sales experience as a substitute for degree.
- Certified Crop Advisor preferred.
- Experience with Integrated Pest Management techniques (IPM)
- Knowledge of farming practices.
- Knowledge of technical skills and abilities necessary to perform required job to establish standards.
- Remains current on industry developments and trends in area of expertise.
Skills:
- Strong computer and technology skills.
- Excellent written and verbal and communication.
- Approachable; puts others at ease, give full attention, shows interest, responds appropriately. Builds relationships both internally and externally through professional and highly developed verbal and written communications.
- Results Oriented: embraces goals and goal setting to a successful career in sales. Self-directed; action oriented; likes a challenge; pursues opportunities; consistently high achieving.
- Negotiating/Closing: Identifies objectives and aims for the best solution. Balances own needs with desire to maintain relationships. Moves others to decision; ask for action.
- Ethics and Integrity: Possesses a strong set of core values and beliefs. Identifies and confronts unethical situations. Honest and above reproach. Accepts responsibility for own actions.
- Perseverance/Resilience: Demonstrates persistence; does not give up. Recovers quickly from setbacks. Keeps a positive attitude in the face of resistance.
- Ability to function independently where appropriate but to recognize when issues escalate and need to be referred to other resources.
- Ability to assess a situation and determine the best course of action (sound, good judgment).
Physical Demands - Considerable physical exertion
Occasionally exposed or required to:
- Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.)
- Noisy conditions
- Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures
- Exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and vibration
- Lift 75 lbs. or more
Benefits:
- 3 Health Insurance plan options with prescription benefits
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 2 Dental Plan options (base plan at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
- Vision Plan (at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
- Company Paid Group Life & AD&D
- Supplemental Life & AD&D (employee & dependents)
- Company paid Short-Term Disability
- Supplemental Short-Term/Long Term Disability
- Voluntary AFLAC group discounted plans
- Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
- Defined Benefit Co-op Retirement Pension Plan (accrual rate of 2.00% and company contribution rate is 6.57%)
- $250.00 yearly Clothing Reimbursement allowance
- Paid Time Off (PTO) – Vacation, Personal Days, and Sick time
- 9.5 paid Holidays
- Additional benefits – paid bereavement, paid jury duty, Family Medical Leave (FMLA), paid maternity/paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer day, wellness program, profit sharing, employee assistance program, company paid learning courses, LifeMart discount program, plus so much more!
About the Company:
As a homegrown, locally owned full-service cooperative, Northern Partners Cooperative has been rooted in the community from the very beginning. Our goal is to continually work to grow customer value and cooperative strength within the community we all share. Located in Northern Illinois, we have 10 locations throughout La Salle and Bureau County offering products, services, and expertise that focus grain, agronomy, energy, and seed.
Northern Partners Cooperative offers opportunities for passionate individuals looking to unlock a greater value for the future of agriculture and our communities. We know that a business or farming operation requires hard work and dedication and that's why we take pride in having knowledgeable, hardworking team members that are dedicated to being our most valued partner; helping us to reach new levels of success.
Northern Partners Cooperative’s Core Values:
• Honesty and integrity in all our relationships
• Focus on our people and their ability to contribute to the success of NPC
• Foster a culture where innovative solutions thrive
• Commitment to safety, quality, and service to our employees and member owners
• Commitment to our communities
Northern Partners Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above-listed items.
