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Southern States Cooperative · 1 week ago

Field Sales Rep

Owenton, KY

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

2+ years exp

Southern States Cooperative is a company that provides agricultural products and services, and they are seeking a Field Sales Rep to perform on-farm sales consultations. The role involves driving retail sales orders and developing strong customer relationships through effective communication and technical assistance.

AgricultureFarmingFertility

Responsibilities

Performs independent on-site sales consultations of current and prospective customers. Sales area may cover several counties and include one or more retail locations. Coordinate sales calls and travel schedule to optimize customer engagement, facilitate efficient service, and achieve sales and performance targets

Utilize interpersonal skills to foster positive, long-term business relationships with current and prospective customers. Provide technical assistance and information regarding farm management and production best practices. Assist with identification of issues related to weeds, pests, and crops. Recommend products and services that best support the customer's operational needs

Partner with retail store management team and General Manager to implement account strategies. Coordinate sales efforts, create prospect lists, provide market intelligence, and arrange product delivery schedules. Support sales initiatives for commodities sold through the retail store(s)

Coordinate resources needed to address customer inquiries. Communicate with Product Specialists, Buyers, Agronomists, Vendors, division and corporate management staff to resolve questions and concerns. Maintain strong relationships with state land grant universities and local county extension personnel

Utilize the CRM Tool to maintain accurate customer records, prospect lists, and report weekly sales calls to both customers and prospects. Transmit weekly fieldwork reports and weekly expense voucher to appropriate manager

Promote the use of John Deere Financial, GrowMaster, FeedMaster other programs as sales tools for growing Market Share

Promote the SSC brand and business philosophy in a positive and customer-focused manner throughout the local community and sales region. Plan and coordinate commodity and grower meetings with current and prospective customers. Participate in local community meetings (grower meetings, USDA, and Extension meetings) and maintain active membership on county extension boards or Ag related councils

Represent SSC in a positive manner by demonstrating professionalism at all times in communication and appearance. Wear approved SSC uniform/attire and operate a neat and well-maintained vehicle

Maintain awareness of industry trends, developments, regulations, and updates to SSC products and services. Seek continuous development of sales effectiveness and account management skills including use of Carew Sales Methodology. Utilize a variety of resources to meet development planning and continuing education requirements, including: professional organizations, seminars (i.e. Crops Certification), conferences, training courses, self-study, and on-line tools

Perform work safely as to not cause harm to yourself, customers, co-workers, equipment, or inventory. Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. Operate all equipment according to SSC policy and government regulations. Comply with OSHA regulations, Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, work rules and policies

Perform all other job functions as assigned

Qualification

Sales experienceAgricultural knowledgePetroleum industry knowledgeCustomer relationship managementTechnical assistanceComputer literacyCommunication skillsEnglish proficiencyInterpersonal skillsAttention to detailTeamworkProblem-solvingTime management

Required

A combination of completed coursework and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree

Bachelor's Degree, will consider other education with related sales/agriculture experience

Requires two (2) years of sales experience

Requires agricultural/petroleum industry knowledge

Requires a valid Driver's License

Able to effectively apply knowledge of a variety of seed, fertilizer, crop protectant, and feed products and services in order to accurately answer questions and make recommendations

Able to effectively apply knowledge of farm management and crop production best practices to identify needs and advise customers on product and service solutions

Able to effectively apply knowledge of various petroleum products, including heating oil, kerosene, diesel, gasoline, and/or liquid propane, in order to accurately answer questions and make recommendations

Able to effectively apply knowledge of petroleum equipment and installation, industry best practices, and regulations to identify needs and advise customers on product and service solutions

This position requires the safe operation of a motor vehicle to perform essential job functions and mandatory compliance with the SSC motor vehicle safety policy

Able to work both independently and as part of a team to execute sales strategy

Able to communicate clearly and professionally

Able to consistently demonstrate customer-focused interpersonal skills

Able to develop and maintain productive business relationships with area farmers, agricultural community members, and/or petroleum business partners

Attention to detail, accuracy and accountability

Computer literacy to utilize MS Office products and SSC business systems

Able to work extended hours to meet business demands

Able to meet travel requirements for sales area

Able to speak, read, write the English language in a proficient manner

Preferred

Previous Southern States work experience is strongly preferred

May require one or more of the following, or the ability to obtain: Commercial Driver's License, Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, Certified Crop Advisor License, Certified Feed Advisor License