Agronomy Sales & Marketing Director - GROWMARK, Inc. - Remote (Central IL) (Champaign, IL, US, 61820) - GrowMark Inc.

SALARY RANGE: $117,650.00 - $161,762.50 

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.

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

Purpose and Summary Statement 

Responsible for leading and managing a team of Seed Field Sales Agronomists and Crop Protection Area Sales Manager(s) providing strategic leadership for agronomy sales and marketing initiatives. This role drives the development and implementation of strategies that enhance market share, profitability, and customer satisfaction for assigned member cooperatives and customers. Implements and communicates agronomy marketing plans to align with GROWMARK’s portfolio offerings and builds strong, long-term relationships with GROWMARK member cooperatives. 

Supervision and Leadership 

Supervises, leads, and develops Seed Field Sales Agronomists (FSAs) and Crop Protection Area Sales Managers. 

Essential Job Functions 

Develops and executes annual strategic marketing and sales plans for FS customers, aligning with long-term growth strategies and profitability goals. 

Achieve targets for seed, seed treatment, crop protection, and agronomy-related products for assigned territory and team. 

Maintains and communicates crop protection and seed offerings, including proprietary and generic product portfolios, to enhance customer profitability. 

Administers and oversees portfolio business planning and forecasting.

Maintains a strong understanding of GROWMARK System portfolio profitability and executes strategies to increase GROWMARK System profitability. 

Oversees the development and application of business builder and market impact funds. 

Builds and maintains relationships with local manufacturer representatives that would reflect GROWMARK System portfolio strategy.

Identifies and targets high-potential wholesale markets and customers. 

Implement target marketing process through team of Field Sales Agronomists.  

Collaborates with the customer care team to ensure we have a coordinated approach between field staff and customer service representatives to provide excellent customer service through the entire sales cycle. 

Integrates the GROWMARK portfolio of products with services provided by FS members into a comprehensive solution that meets grower-specific needs. 

Collaborates with GROWMARK resources (e.g., Agronomy Services, Agronomy Technology, Training, FS AgriFinance) to support member company strategies. 

Coordinate with GROWMARK Agronomy Services and Field Training teams to develop FS Crop Specialists, enhancing both their technical and sales skills. 

Define the Certified Crop Specialist (CCS) designation and drive certification within assigned territory. 

Other Job Functions 

Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of marketing programs and provides recommendations for improvement. 

Ensures the preparation and submission of accurate reports and documentation in a timely manner. 

Encourages and supports the adoption of innovative practices and technologies within the team. 

Maintains a sales history of crop protection and agronomy product lines and prepares monthly sales status reports. 

Adheres to GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct, Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety policies, and other relevant standards. 

Performs other duties as assigned. 

Requirements 

Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, marketing, or a related field; or equivalent experience. Minimum of 5-7 years of sales/marketing leadership experience. 

Proven strategic account management. 

Demonstrates strong business acumen, collaboration, customer focus, decision-making, and leadership skills. 

Proficient in professional communication, interpersonal, presentation, and persuasion skills. 

Must reside within the defined territory and have the ability to travel independently, including overnight stays and occasional international travel (valid passport required). 

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

Physical ability to occasionally lift 21-50 lbs. 

Willingness to participate in ongoing training related to GROWMARK’s policies, procedures, and role-specific requirements. 

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.