Seed Sales Specialist – Dairy Nutrition – Gaps FS – Ithaca, MI

GAPS FS is headquartered in Ithaca, Michigan with branches in Middleton and Fowler. GAPS FS employs approximately 40 individuals (including seasonal workers) and serves approximately 450 customers. GAPS FS offers agronomy, agri-finance, and nutrient management services. GAPS FS is part of the GROWMARK System, an agricultural cooperative with annual sales of $8.5 billion (FY 2018 data) providing agronomy, energy, facility planning, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services throughout North America. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. More information is available at www.growmark.com.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT  

Responsible for sales of all animal nutrition and feed services, within an assigned territory, working closely with the Sales Manager and Sales Specialists to achieve marketing team goals. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS  

Provides value-added feed services, and recommendations to patrons and prospects 

Responsible for conducting animal nutrition sales calls with targeted customers, as well as assist species specialists with key account calls 

Leads and initiates sales calls with targeted growers to promote GROWMARK supported seed brands with primary emphasis on FS seed and tech supported programs. 

Displays high level of active sales skills with the ability to close sales calls 

Identifies buying motives, handles objections, and meets sales goals 

Develops whole farm proposals that create differentiation in the marketplace to effectively grow seed volumes 

Actively calls on accounts/prospects/key accounts individually as well as with Crop Specialists and identifies and calls on key grower targets in the territory that are not current seed accounts 

Train Crop Specialists on a detailed understanding of all trait offerings, seed treatments, competitive germplasm nomenclature and differentiation points in the trade territory and FS Seed product knowledge including corn, soybeans, forages and small seeds. 

Actively performs hands on product and technical agronomic training with all system supported brands in the field with Crop Specialists 

Responsible for the implementation of business plans which includes the utilization of sales administration tools to drive sales growth and retention. 

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS 

Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply. 

Performs all other duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS 

Normally requires a Bachelor’s degree in Ag Business or Agronomy, or the equivalent thereof, and 2 years or more of ag sales related work experience to demonstrate knowledge of seed and crop protection sales. Prefer a background in dairy nutrition, forage or silage. 

Ability to train on crop protection products modes of action of key chemistries, efficacy, and ability to make recommendations in unusual conditions. 

Qualified to provide training on crop pests, including proper identification. 

Ability to develop or have a high level of Relationship Management skills to foster relationships with key Crop Specialists 

Ability to provide proper fertility recommendations. 

Ability to develop and present complete cropping solutions for large multi-person farming operations. 

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. 

Must be able to obtain and maintain Certified Crop Advisor. 

Occasionally required to lift 51-70 lbs 

Will be required to work extended hours. 

Will need to be able travel independently and overnight. 

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.

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