Mgr, Market & Product Dev - Seedway - Lakeland, FL

SEEDWAY, LLC is headquartered in Hall, New York and currently employs 280 employees (including seasonal workers) nationwide. SEEDWAY is part of the GROWMARK system, an agricultural subsidiary serving more than 100,000 customers across North America, Canada, and Mexico. SEEDWAY, LLC is a full-line seed company providing high quality, high-performing farm seed products as well as lawn and turf products throughout Pennsylvania, New York, New England states, Florida, and South Carolina. We offer a leading line of vegetable seed for growers in the United States and Eastern Canada.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Responsible for managing product line in assigned species and working with Vegetable Seed Business Manager, Sales Manager, Product Development Team, vendors and assigned salesmen to develop new markets and increase sales.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Manages product line in assigned species. Selects products, directs purchases, forecasts sales and life cycles, sets pricing strategy, and manages inventory.

Supports salesmen as assigned by Vegetable Seed Business Manager and Sales Manager to increase sales with existing customers by sharing product and market knowledge.

Interacts with potential customers to establish a seed business relationship to develop direct sales with these growers.

Works with product development team to place strategic trials on customers’ farms, and aid in trial evaluation.

Works with vegetable brokers, sales agents and buyers increasing Seedway’s exposure in order to increase sales.

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 Plant Science, Agriculture or the equivalent thereof, and 6 years or more of vegetable industry related work experience to demonstrate leadership in business and marketing including project management, problem solving and planning skills.

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

Prefer an understanding of GROWMARK System marketing strategies, competitive analysis, sales administration programs and proprietary software.           

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

Must be able to travel independently and overnight.

Must be able to work extended hours beyond those considered “normal”.

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.