As part of an ever-growing ag community, we are uniquely positioned to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of a growing global population. We are dedicated to finding the most talented people to support the businesses of our member owners, local ag retails and cooperatives across North America. We strive to match people that share our passion for agriculture with sustainable careers in the communities in which our member owners operate. There is no better time to be part of the growing, dynamic world of agriculture – let’s help you find your fit.

Available Locations: Cokato, St. Martin & Watkins, MN

Summary: It is the primary responsibility of this role to apply fundamental sales techniques while utilizing product, customer, company and industry knowledge applicable to improving customer consultation and sales. This role will provide crop consulting and account management. Typical duties include carrying out retail sales at the producer level, representing the cooperative while calling on current and prospective customers, preparing proposals and customer presentations, studying market and industry trends, seeking opportunities to serve customers and building positive customer relationships. For this role to be successful, it is crucial the advisor facilitates collaborative communication and teamwork at all times.

Primary Functions:

Crop Consulting, Account Management and Value Creation

• Prospect, build and maintain positive working relationships with current and potential customers
• Assist customers with annual business plan development
• Make sound service recommendations to customers to improve their operation while understanding the value proposition (seed, fertilizer, crop protection, precision products and services)
• Develop regular sales call strategies with both current accounts and potential prospects
• Build relationships with key decision makers and act as liaison and single point of contact
• Represent yourself as a subject matter expert and problem solver to provide value added solution
• Create and implement customer retention and development strategies
• Achieve profitability goals and increase market share through regular sales efforts.
  • Submit account plans and progress reports regularly to mgmt.
  • Use all resources necessary to “cross sell” the cooperative services
  • Actively promote and participate in the annual Answer Plot events
  • Continually gather and monitor information on competition and local markets
• Identify and attend appropriate training and continuing education seminars
• Possess and maintain knowledge of agronomy related products, programs and ag industry

Customer Solutions and Support

• Keep an open line of communication with the agronomy team for optimum customer service
• Provide superior service to all customers and resolve customer complaints quickly and appropriately
• Project a positive attitude and image to customers, business partners and employees at all times
• Follow up on all items sold to ensure timely delivery and service
• Introduce new products, programs and services to current and potential customers
• Assist with answering incoming sales calls
• Proactively manage accounts receivables in accordance with our credit policy

Safety

• Ensure safety is the top priority at all times
• Model and teach safe behavior while enforcing all safety policies
• Inform all customers of safe product handling.
• Attends safety related job trainings provided by the cooperative.
• Operate equipment and vehicles in a responsible and safe manner

Other

• Demonstrate a commitment to doing what’s right, a solid work ethic, a strong sense of ownership, a passion for agriculture, and genuine respect for others
• Attend continuing education opportunities
• Observe and enforce all company policies
• Provide back up for other Crop Advisors and operational staff as needed
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent, effective communication skills including oral, written and presentation form
• Ability to remain flexible in a rapidly changing environment
• Strong teamwork, listening and interpersonal skills, with an ability to interact effectively at all levels within an organization
• Assertive, approachable, tactful and possesses an ability to build strong business relationships
• Customer service oriented with ability to problem solve and manage difficult customer situations
• Resourceful, self-starter who works well with minimal supervision
• Good independent, ethical, decision-making ability
• Excellent organizational skills including detail oriented, multi-tasking, planning, and prioritizing
• Results-oriented, accurate and thorough with a commitment to accountability
• Understands and actively works with basic business concepts (budgets, profit margins and revenue)
• Strong technical competency with an interest in staying current on leading edge precision technology;
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to learn other key operational computer programs

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Comply with cooperative driver qualifications requirements
• Comply with cooperative Drug and Alcohol Policy
• CCA certification preferred (if not current, working to obtain)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or closely related field.
• Minimum 2 yrs related experience demonstrating the ability to do the job.
• Proven, progressive track record in sales.
• Demonstrated experience understanding customers’ unique problems and determining the best fit for their needs

If you have questions about how to apply, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.