Mgr, Bus Dev - Agronomy - Sunrise FS - Urbana, IL

SALARY RANGE: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 

Sunrise FS is headquartered in Virginia, Illinois, with branches in Cass, Champaign, Clark, Douglas, Edgar, Mason and Vermillion counties. Sunrise FS has about 200 employees (including seasonal workers) and approximately 14,000 customers. The cooperative does business in agronomy, energy, grain, tires, irrigation, and retail. Sunrise FS is part of the GROWMARK System, an agricultural cooperative serving more than 100,000 customers across North America and Ontario, Canada.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Builds and grows the company’s agronomy market position by developing long-term business relationships, executing targeted marketing and sales strategies, and driving profitable growth across core agronomy product lines including Seed, Crop Protection, and Crop Nutrients. Provides leadership and development while serving as a bridge between field teams and organizational strategy to ensure consistent execution, alignment, and customer success.

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP

Leads, coaches, teaches, and trains direct reports as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identifies, targets, and locates new business opportunities that contribute to profitable market share growth across Seed, Crop Protection, and Crop Nutrients.

Screens potential business deals by analyzing market potential, evaluating options, and making recommendations.

Develops negotiating strategies by fully understanding risks, opportunities, customer needs, and the goals of prospective partners.

Gains new business by coordinating requirements, developing and negotiating contracts, and integrating contract requirements with business operations.

Makes sales calls on targeted customers, key accounts, and prospects in coordination with locations to grow market share profitably.

Utilizes target marketing and professional sales techniques, builds customer programs, and emphasizes features and benefits where appropriate.

Implements the company’s agronomy marketing plans to generate profitable sales in the assigned territory.

Promotes, sells, and reinforces the value of the company’s agronomy programs, technology, and services to internal teams and customers.

Supports Crop Specialists and field staff in driving growth across all agronomy business lines through hands-on support and strategic field engagement.

Builds strong relationships with growers and prospects to understand needs, identify opportunities, and accelerate business development.

Equips field teams with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to elevate customer outcomes.

Regularly communicates market intelligence and progress on essential job functions to the Agronomy Marketing Manager.

Promotes the use of Agri-Finance and credit programs as a sales tool and helps provide information required to establish credit.

Works with established prices, discounts, and billing terms set by the company.

Addresses receivable issues with accounts that are past due.

Follows the company’s complaint policy for handling customer complaints; settlements are approved by designated personnel.

Protects the organization’s value by keeping information confidential.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for complying with government regulatory requirements, safety standards, and company policies and procedures.

Ensures the credit worthiness of customers, quotes prices and credit terms, and prepares sales contracts for orders obtained.

Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional events.

Enhances company reputation by accepting ownership for new and different requests and exploring opportunities to add value to the role.

Assists with informational meetings, training sessions, and customer events.

Attends all required training.

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

Normally requires a 4-year degree in agronomy, agribusiness, business, or a related field, and 6 or more years of sales and marketing experience demonstrating marketing skills and sales leadership.

Demonstrated experience in marketing strategy, marketing program execution, pricing strategy, budgeting, and strategic planning.

Requires the ability to obtain and maintain required licenses and certifications.

Proven ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.

Proven professional communication, customer service, persuasion, and presentation skills.

Demonstrated organization and planning skills and the ability to manage performance expectations, budgets, and priorities.

Proven computer skills and the ability to use technology to enhance business processes.

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 a satisfactory driving record.

Must be able to travel independently and overnight when necessary.

Must be able to work extended hours beyond those considered normal, particularly during busy season.

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 Sunrise FS, 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 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.