Area Sales Agronomist/Key Account Manager - South Central FS, Inc. - Effingham, IL

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

SALARY RANGE: $100,000-$130,000

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under the direction of the Marketing Manager, generates profitable sales with strategic accounts in the South Central FS trade territory through cold calling, target marketing, and providing value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations. Build relationships with key growers by providing value-added support, including agronomic insights, product selection, and placement recommendations. Primary responsibility is to develop strong agronomic relationships and drive incremental sales to new customers; this is an outside sales position. Responsible for sales and the delivery or coordination of product delivery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Conduct consistent, direct sales calls on at least 75 prospective customers Drives and delivers profitability sales growth of seed, seed treatment, crop nutrients, crop protection, MiField proven products and precision services. Collaborate with Crop Specialists, Area Managers and Location Managers to deliver on operational customer commitments. Assist in implementing marketing plans and developing sales strategies that generate profitable sales. Provides value added agronomic products, services, and recommendations to patrons and prospects. Provides customer service by using soil testing, crop scouting, precision farming and other programs, and follows up on complaints. Attend all training meetings, school trainings and seminars as assigned. Ensures the credit worthiness of customers, quotes prices and credit terms, and prepares sales contracts for orders obtained. Promotes the use of credit programs as a sales tool and helps provide the required information to establish credit. Promote the use of the Ag Finance, Precision Farming & Crop Insurance. Works closely with the credit department in collection of accounts receivable. Responsible for maintaining assigned vehicle according to company standards. Wears required company uniform and maintains a professional appearance. Travel approximately ~70% with significant face-to-face customer interaction Successfully adhere to safety rules and company policies and procedures. EHS, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures must be always adhered to. All other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Critical Experience & Skills: Bachelor's degree in agriculture-related discipline, business, or related field. Minimum of 8 years of relevant agriculture experience in agronomy, technology, sales, or marketing. Experience collaborating and communication with peer sales members and locations. Requires strong understanding of the on-farm production practices. Persistence to have high sales call frequency with prospective accounts. Must obtain the appropriate driver’s license for the type of vehicle that will be required to operate in order to perform all the duties assigned and to maintain that license throughout the length of employment. (The type of license required is a Class A C.D.L. license with an endorsement of Hazmat, tank and air brakes.) Must pass the D.O.T. physical and drug test one week prior to employment and to continue to pass these tests at any time required thereafter while employed with the company. Must be able to lift a minimum of sixty pounds over your head of any product, and to be able to position that product in any area required or where the patron or supervisor requests it to be placed. Must have the ability to travel and stay overnight(s) from time to time as required. Must work in all types of weather conditions and temperatures. Must have a working knowledge and commit to using all forms of new technology and applicable company computer programs. We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions. We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans. Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.