Sr Equipment Sales Manager - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

SALARY RANGE: $120,900.00 - $166,212.50

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all equipment and product systems across multiple divisions including Agronomy, Crop Protection, Energy, GTTC, and Grain/Facility Equipment. Responsible for maximizing profitable growth through integrated business development, marketing strategies, vendor management, and technical excellence across all equipment product lines. Serves as the key liaison between GROWMARK, member cooperatives, and strategic suppliers to drive system-wide value and innovation.

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHP

Supervises, leads, and develops the Managers of Agronomy, CP Apps and Energy Equipment positions, as well as the Grain Customer Service & Supply Manager and GTTC Parts position(s).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Develops and executes comprehensive equipment and product strategies that align with corporate objectives and maximize profitability across all divisions

Achieves budgeted sales and profitability goals for all equipment product lines

Identifies and implements growth strategies across all geographies to increase market share and customer penetration

Analyzes sales performance, income, expenses, and overhead costs across divisions and recommends improvements to maximize contribution.

Negotiates enterprise-level programs with national and international suppliers to secure competitive costs, terms, and product availability.

Maintains and develops strategic vendor relationships that benefit the entire GROWMARK System

Leads supplier negotiations, resolves complex issues in mutually beneficial ways, and promotes GROWMARK's value proposition.

Coordinates with suppliers to understand market trends, product innovations, and strategic opportunities.

Conducts high-level sales calls on senior management of key customers and prospects, building long-term strategic relationships.

Serves as primary escalation point for member cooperatives on equipment and product-related matters.

Leads major account management efforts to achieve maximum revenue and aggressively pursue new business opportunities.

Ensures consistent, high-quality technical recommendations and customer service across all product lines.

Oversees product selection, pricing strategies, and inventory management across agronomy equipment, energy equipment, grain systems, truck parts, and application technology.

Directs "systems" pricing initiatives where integrated packages maximize customer value and profitability.

Maintains product lines by evaluating performance, eliminating slower-moving items, and introducing innovative solutions aligned with customer needs.

Ensures all product lines remain current with industry trends, technology advancements, and customer preferences.

Articulates integrated marketing strategies across equipment divisions to achieve profit objectives.

Provides technical leadership and expertise on application technology, agronomic stewardship, and equipment innovations.

Coordinates field demonstrations, training programs, and seminars across territories.

Identifies and applies information technology and business practices to support strategic initiatives.

Monitors state-of-the-art techniques, process improvements, and developments in agricultural and energy equipment.

Drives continuous improvement in operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, quality, and cost management.

Establishes processes and metrics to sustain improvements and eliminate recurring issues.

Ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements across all operations.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Represents GROWMARK at national and international trade shows, industry events, and association meetings.

Collaborates with other corporate divisions including Seed, Crop Protection, Energy, and NewTech to develop integrated solutions.

Maintains SAP systems, website content, and digital platforms related to equipment offerings.

Administers departmental budgets consistent with company policies and develops comprehensive business and marketing plans.

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

Responsible for encouraging, supporting, and promoting innovative practices, ideas, and technologies within the team.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering, business administration, marketing, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred with minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in equipment sales, marketing, product management, or operations management.

Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing teams and multi-million dollar P&L responsibilities.

Demonstrated success in strategic planning, vendor negotiations, and business development.

Comprehensive understanding of agronomy equipment, energy systems, grain handling equipment, truck equipment, and application technology

Strong knowledge of GROWMARK member operations and cooperative business models preferred.

Proven ability to develop and execute marketing strategies that drive profitable growth.

Demonstrates essential abilities including business acumen, collaboration, communication, customer focus, strategic decision making, and team development.

Experience with supply chain management, pricing strategy, inventory control, and order fulfillment

Strong financial analysis skills and P&L management experience.

Ability to maintain complete confidentiality with sensitive business information.

Valid passport required for international travel.

Occasionally exposed to noisy conditions, dust, fumes, chemicals, and may be required to work at varying heights.

Must have and maintain a valid driver's license with the ability to travel independently, including overnight and extended trips (up to 40% travel)

Ability to work extended hours as business needs require.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training including GROWMARK policies and procedures and position-specific education.

Proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with senior-level executives.

Strong presentation and public speaking skills.

Proficiency with CRM systems, ERP platforms (SAP preferred), and Microsoft Office Suite.

Demonstrated GROWMARK core competencies including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

At GROWMARK, 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), paid holidays, and parental leave, 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.