Dir, Strategic Relationships & Market Development - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

SALARY RANGE: $156,400.00 - $226,812.50

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.

Under the general direction of the EVP, Member Resources assumes overall responsibility for acquisitions, mergers, and business development opportunities of the GROWMARK System. Directs and leads analysis of new business opportunities driven by the organization’s strategic objectives. Provides recommendations based on financial review and analysis, market research, and risk assessments. This position also works with select members as a Member Resources Lead promoting initiatives that drive System growth, financial health, and System unity.

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP

Supervises, leads and develops the Market Development Representatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Leads short and long-term planning and decision making for acquisitions, mergers and Business Development. Provides appropriate information to the ELT Staff and GROWMARK Board of Directors as required.

Provides leadership and direction in the development and implementation of Business Development area’s annual and strategic plans including financial budgets, target marketing, and operational plans designed to enhance the growth opportunities for the GROWMARK System.

Responsible for business development activities that achieve profitable GROWMARK System geographic and volume growth.

Coordinates business development activities, both externally and internally, to maximize opportunities to achieve desired growth objectives. Directs staff in involving appropriate support divisions to assist in achieving division objectives.  Conducts appropriate due diligence to ensure the reliability of information used in business decision planning and development opportunities.

Leads and oversees the negotiations and preparation of all business and legal requirements for acquisition/merger activities.  Collaborates with the GROWMARK legal team, human resources and other key stakeholders in the preparation and planning of acquisition/merger business deals.

Ensures that all Division operations are executed in compliance with corporate policies, governmental legislation, and authoritative regulatory agency requirements.

Promotes a positive image of the GROWMARK System among members, patrons, stockholders, and the general public.

Serves as a spokesperson for GROWMARK on Business Development activities as necessary.

Achieving a positive image of the GROWMARK System among members, patrons, stockholders, and the general public. 

Provides leadership to FS Companies in assessing their long- and short- term financial needs and counsels them in developing plans to achieve those needs.  Responsible for assuring that FS Companies have appropriate financial reporting and internal control mechanisms in place.

Provides leadership to FS Companies in evaluating their operations and recommends appropriate changes to maximize the efficiency of FS Company resources.

Provides leadership to FS Companies in assessing their marketing strengths and weaknesses and counsels them in developing programs, which will improve their marketing skills.  Responsible for assuring that appropriate marketing and sales administration programs are in place in each FS Company.  Supports Product Division and non-product area marketing efforts.

Assists FS Companies in assessing their human resource requirements. Responsible for assisting in the recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation and retention of all employees. Administers programs to assure a supply of qualified FS Company personnel within the System.

Administers the Membership Agreement and the Uniform Management Agreement for the region.  Provides manager slates as needed.

Identifies training needs and assists in developing training programs for FS Company directors and board presidents.

Responsible for coordinating regional manager meetings.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Serves as the corporation’s representative on various boards of directors and on professional committees and advisory boards as directed.

Recommends policies relating to assigned activities and directs execution upon approval.

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

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 Bachelors degree in a business-related field, and 8 years or more of related work experience and training to demonstrate the ability to provide strategic leadership to the GROWMARK System.

Demonstrated knowledge of business development, finance and operations.

Proven experience with management-related areas including strategic short and long-term business planning, financial impact and risk analysis, leadership and development, organizational analysis and structure, change management, succession planning, compliance issues, and internal/external business marketing and communications.

Demonstrated ability to develop and strengthen partnerships, assess business opportunities, and negotiate appropriate agreements with internal and external parties.

Proven supervisory and leadership skills including staffing, orientation, coaching, performance evaluations, training, and development, etc. and the ability to achieve results through others.

Proven professional management communication, interpersonal, persuasion, and presentation skills.

Demonstrated problem-solving skills including problem analysis, evaluation, and implementation of solutions.

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

Must have a valid driver’s license and passport and have the ability to work extended hours and travel independently and overnight.

Demonstrates essential abilities 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.