Lubricants Sales Specialist - GROWMARK, Inc. - Remote (Eastern IA)

SALARY RANGE: $79,500.00 - $109,287.50

This position offers a base salary plus commission, providing the opportunity to earn additional income based on performance. 

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.

See what it's like to work at GROWMARK: https://youtu.be/CSVMnKCySsY

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Lubrication industry specialist responsible for growing FS Lubricant branded accounts and securing key accounts/new business growth opportunities selling at all levels of management and building long term relationships with stakeholders. Driving sales across all market segments for assigned geography. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Develop sales at a measured pace consistent with branded product growth plans that generates profitable sales.

Responsible for meeting sales goals as established by supervisor.

Accountable for sales and marketing of all lubricant products within assigned territory.  Coordinate delivery of products with local FS Member Cooperative or area Lubricant Module.

Learn GROWMARK Lubricants go-to-market technology and marketing platform to be presented at key accounts including co-development of supporting marketing collateral.

Keep pace with industry trends & market updates through specific lubricant industry publications.

Understand customer needs and provide innovative ideas for technical/sales strategies.

Co-development/service of account retention strategies.

Co-development of sales plans, implementation of lubricant programs consistent with corporate guidelines.

Identifies additional opportunities for expansion of the energy product portfolio.

Weekly travel to customers (either/or distributors/end-users) within assigned territory is required. Work in the field as necessary for application understanding, field trial verification, assist customer sales force and training.

Manages relationships with new and existing customers.

Lead liaison between your assigned/developed customers, cooperative members and GROWMARK.

Maintain a direct working relationship with plant activities, plant personnel, Technical Director/s, laboratory projects and marketing/brand manager/s.

Work internally with product management team, customer service, finance (credit establishment), supply chain, and R&D to ensure customer expectations are met, sale closed and/or new customers are set up.

Assumes the lead in working through customer issues to determine root cause and solutions ensuring customer satisfaction.

Provides value-added lubricants and connecting full line of energy products, services, and recommendations to customer base and prospects.

Develops territory and competitive analysis to maintain a current knowledge of the marketplace and the competition.

Specific to working with members cooperatives in assigned territory responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Build a trusting relationship with all job functions within the member cooperatives.
• Get to know and understand the member cooperative’s customers.
• Conduct member cooperative business reviews quarterly.
• Seek/prospect end-user sales opportunities to bring to the member cooperative.
• Conducts regular customer meetings on product and technical information. 
• Set-up sales calls with member cooperative’s sales staff or management as needed to close calls.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

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 marketing or acquired technical discipline, and 2-5 years or more related work experience to generate profitable sales in the assigned territory.

Lubricant industry credentials are highly desired such as: STLE CLS, OMA and/or ICML certifications.

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

Understanding and experience with energy-related products including lubricants, grease, engine coolants and filters, sales/marketing, market analysis, pricing strategies, supply forecasts, risk management, competitive adeptness, advertising, promotions, and product development, packaging, and proficiency along with market planning, program execution, budgeting, and communications.

Critical thinking skills along with persuasiveness capability.

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

Ability to develop technical materials, make technical recommendations, and provide leadership with new technology advances.

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

Must have the ability to travel independently and overnight as needed.

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 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.