Ag Solutions Sales Advisor

Join Our Team in Tonica, IL!

Northern Partners Cooperative is looking for a motivated and customer-focused Ag Solutions Sales Advisor to join our team at the Tonica, IL Agronomy Facility. This position is key to building strong relationships with area growers by providing agronomic solutions, crop input recommendations, and exceptional service that supports farm success throughout the growing season and beyond.

If you're passionate about agriculture, sales, and helping producers achieve their goals, we want to hear from you!

Position Overview: The Ag Solutions Sales Advisor is responsible for developing and maintaining strong customer relationships while promoting the full range of products and services offered by Northern Partners Cooperative. This includes agronomy products such as seed, crop protection, and plant nutrition, as well as value-added solutions from other cooperative departments, including fuel, propane, and lubricants. The Advisor works closely with customers to understand their operational goals, provide tailored recommendations, and ensure they have access to the right products, services, and expertise to achieve success. By combining product knowledge, market insight, and a customer-first approach, the Ag Solutions Sales Advisor drives profitable growth, strengthens customer loyalty, and supports the cooperative's mission of delivering dependable, innovative solutions to its members.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sales Expertise: Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy that encompasses seed products, crop protection, plant nutrition, precision agriculture technologies, and value-added solutions from other cooperative departments (e.g., fuel, propane, lubricants). Proactively analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs to identify growth opportunities and expand market share. Maintain in-depth knowledge of Northern Partners Cooperative's products, services, and marketing approach, as well as current advancements in seed technology, crop genetics, agronomic practices, and precision ag tools. Regularly conduct sales calls and on-site visits with target customers throughout the trade area to strengthen relationships, promote the cooperative, and generate new business. Collaborate with internal teams to develop competitive marketing strategies and identify opportunities for cross-selling. Where applicable, provide training and product knowledge support to team members, ensuring a consistent and informed approach to customer engagement. (30%)
2. Customer Relationship Management & Service: Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with customers, partners, and key stakeholders by providing attentive, personalized service. Proactively identify and cultivate new business opportunities while strengthening ties with existing customers through regular on-site visits, open communication, and responsive support. Collaborate with customers to understand their operational needs and recommend tailored solutions from Northern Partners Cooperative's full range of products and services. Deliver technical expertise and guidance on optimal product use, agronomic practices, and safe handling procedures. Conduct customer training sessions on product features, benefits, and best practices. Ensure accurate and efficient processing of orders, coordinate timely delivery, and work closely with internal teams to maintain exceptional customer satisfaction. Promote a positive and professional culture with both customers and colleagues, always greeting patrons courteously, expressing appreciation for their business, and upholding the cooperative's safety, health, environmental, and quality standards by reporting concerns promptly. (30%)
3. Team Collaboration & Operational Support: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including location managers, operations staff, and internal departments, to align sales strategies with marketing initiatives, product development, and overall cooperative objectives. Provide coaching, guidance, and support to team members to help them achieve or exceed sales goals while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Serve as a flexible resource by stepping into operational or field roles as needed to ensure work is completed efficiently and customer expectations are met. Monitor and communicate ordering needs in a timely manner to optimize pricing, inventory, and delivery schedules for customers. Review and discuss sales activity reports with the Department Director to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement. Maintain open communication across teams to ensure a cohesive approach to customer satisfaction, product performance, and operational efficiency. (15%)
4. Prevention: Conduct regular field scouting to monitor crop growth, identify potential pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, and other production challenges, and develop timely, effective management recommendations. Communicate findings to producers and advise on agronomic practices, application timing, and other solutions to optimize yield and quality. Coordinate and participate in field trials and product demonstrations to highlight the performance and value of seed varieties and related products. Collect, analyze, and interpret trial data to provide customers with evidence-based recommendations that support informed decision-making. Mentor and train Interns, sharing practical knowledge on crop production, field management, and cooperative sales practices. (10%)
5. Marketing Analysis: Collaborate with management and team members to set annual sales and gross margin objectives that align with cooperative goals. When engaging with customers, provide well-informed recommendations designed to enhance their profitability, encourage repeat business, and minimize product-related issues. Monitor and analyze market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments to identify opportunities and anticipate challenges. Gather and communicate market intelligence to support product development and marketing initiatives. Establish clear sales targets and performance metrics, tracking progress regularly to evaluate individual and team results. Prepare and present comprehensive sales reports to senior leadership, outlining key performance indicators, sales trends, forecasts, and actionable insights. Conduct performance analyses to pinpoint areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to drive results. (10%)
6. Other: Contributes to additional company and team efforts, projects and initiatives as needed. Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Education & Experience

• Required High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum Experience: 13 years of sales, customer service, or agricultural-related experience preferably involving seed, crop inputs, or other farm supply products.
• Basic understanding of crop production practices and the ability to learn cooperative products and services quickly.
• Preferred Experience: 35 years of progressive sales or account management experience in agriculture, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals.
• Hands-on experience with seed selection, crop protection recommendations, plant nutrition, and/or precision agriculture technologies.
• Experience conducting field trials, customer training, and product demonstrations.
• Familiarity with CRM software and agricultural business systems.

License/Certification

• Required: Valid Driver's License Must have a current, unrestricted driver's license and a clean driving record, as regular travel within the territory is required.
• Preferred: Pesticide Applicator License State-specific license for applying crop protection products.
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Demonstrates agronomic expertise and credibility with customers.
• Other relevant agricultural certifications Any certifications related to seed, crop nutrition, or precision agriculture technologies.
• Commercial Driver's License - Class A CDL with HAZMAT, tanker, and airbrake endorsements required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of agricultural products, including seed, crop protection, plant nutrition, and related cooperative offerings.
• Understanding of crop production practices, pest and nutrient management, and agronomic principles.
• Familiarity with sales and marketing principles, customer relationship management, and territory management.
• Awareness of industry trends, competitor products, and market dynamics.
• Knowledge of safe handling practices for agricultural products.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers, colleagues, and management.
• Strong sales and negotiation skills, including the ability to identify opportunities and close sales effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM or sales tracking systems.
• Time management and organizational skills to manage a large customer territory efficiently.
• Problem-solving skills to provide practical solutions to customer challenges.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong customer relationships and build trust with stakeholders.
• Ability to travel regularly within the assigned territory and conduct on-site visits in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Ability to analyze field and trial data and translate findings into actionable recommendations for customers.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams.
• Ability to provide coaching or training to team members or interns when required.

Environmental Conditions & Physical Demands - Considerable physical exertion

Occasionally exposed or required to:

• Work is primarily performed in both office and outdoor agricultural field settings.
• Frequent travel within the assigned territory, including driving in rural areas and on farm properties.
• Exposure to a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Regular walking, standing, bending, and climbing during field visits, demonstrations, and inspections.