Seed Specialist - 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 

Accountable for profitable sales and market share growth of GROWMARK Inc. system supported seed brands with primary focus on the FS Brands, forage seed and seed care products.  Provides seed sales/marketing/training leadership and support for GAPS FS. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 
 

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 

Supports and implements all GROWMARK system supported seed brands in seed proposals and effectively negotiates and closes any product performance issues with the FS Brand 

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 

Promotes Climate Fieldview with key 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.  

Deliver Sales Process Training to Crop Specialists. 

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. 

Manages and secures seed supply via forecasting, ordering, inventory management and communicating supply updates to crop specialists. Utilize data entry at planting and harvest for plot planning.  

Follow up on all replant situations for the FS brands including field visits, recommendations, proper documentation, and submission prior to deadline 

Responsibly manages GROWMARK market impact funding for all system supported brands to profitably promote seed growth and retention 

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS 

Expected to Attend: 

• FSA Staff Meetings (5 times per year) 
• Seed Specialist Meeting 
• Winner’s Circle 
• Seed Event 
• Weekly Virtual Update Calls 

Support other activities such as ASP, training and certification testing. 

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 BS degree in Ag Business or Agronomy, or the equivalent thereof, and 5 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 field usage and sales proposals utilizing Precision Ag. 

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. 

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

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

Must be able to obtain and maintain Certified Crop Advisor. 

Occasionally exposed or required to:   
•    Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.) 
•    Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals,  
•    Lift 51-70 lbs,  

Will be required to work extended hours. 

Will need to be able travel independently and overnight.

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.