Mgr, Marketing - Agronomy - AgVantage FS - Waverly, IA

AgVantage FS is headquartered in Waverly, Iowa with branches in Northern and Eastern Iowa. AgVantage FS has about 400 employees (including seasonal workers) and approximately 23,000 customers. The cooperative does business in agronomy, energy, precision agronomy, and agri-finance. AgVantage 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

Responsible for the development and implementation of the agronomy marketing plan, profitability of the agronomy department, and the leadership of agronomy department sales personnel.

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP

Supervises, leads, and develops the assigned direct reports, and/or any assigned indirect reports applicable to the department by providing leadership, setting performance expectations, providing feedback, coaching and actively maintaining performance management standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Develops and implements agronomy marketing plans including marketing communications, strategic plans, and target budgets, etc.

Coordinates product procurement with the Procurement Manager and develops risk management plans for all agronomy products.

Responsible for profitable sales of the agronomy department through target marketing, competitive analysis, pricing strategies, continual management and evaluation of people and structure.

Develops and implements effective sales administration plan setting expectations, training in the field, coaching, measuring results and follow-up.

Provides leadership to the agronomy sales team by setting performance expectations, managing sales activities, calling on key customers, and serving as a communication and public relations link to the company.

Coordinates creditworthiness and accounts receivable administration with Credit & Agri-Finance Manager to ensure credit policies and procedures are understood and followed by the sales team.

Coordinates with the Agronomy Operations Manager to establish efficient plant operations and asset utilization.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Develops beneficial strategic relationships with required vendors for support of agronomy sales and marketing products and events.

Recruits, selects, and retains quality personnel. Trains, coaches, counsels, and disciplines

employees to develop individual talents

Conducts and assists with training and informational meetings.

Assists with the development of the company budget by forecasting sales volumes, projected margins

and expense items.

Supports and contributes to total company goals and objectives through collaboration efforts.

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 Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, marketing, business or related discipline or the equivalent thereof, and 6 years or more of business related work experience to demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to supervise employees, generate profitable sales, build a repeat customer base, and gain market share.

CCA preferred.
 

Demonstrated 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 have the ability to travel independently and overnight.

Ability to work extended hours or on-call as business conditions warrant.

Prefer an understanding of GROWMARK agronomy division products and services and risk management programs.

Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable professional certifications associated with the agronomy industry.

May be required to lift up to 70lbs.

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.