Position Summary & Purpose:
Calcium Products manufactures premium, pelletized calcium-based fertilizer that improves soil fertility and crop yields. We are a growing company and are looking to expand our sales team to support current and future sales growth. Building strong and long-lasting relationships with our customers (agricultural distributors and dealers) is the cornerstone of our company. To support this, the territory sales manager will lead a relationship-first sales process and deliver strong sales strategy and responsive customer support. It is important that this position manage a flourishing customer relationship and facilitates a sales process that is simple, memorable and connects the customer to technical resources when needed.
Responsibilities and Tasks:
· Build and maintain solid customer relationships being in tune with customers’ needs and opportunities.
· Be the first point of contact for any customer support opportunities and work with the company to quickly address and maximize customer satisfaction.
· Support dealers in growing demand for Calcium Products with growers.
· Organize and conduct group meetings with customer personnel and/or their growers.
· Develop a clear understanding of products and competitive advantages to assist our customers in understanding the value proposition and support them in selling to their growers.
· Develop an intimate understanding of competitive and industry trends in the territory to facilitate the best planning and execution of sales tactics for profitable growth.
· Communicate pricing and applicable sales support programs to manage/facilitate orders for customers. Manage the completion of contracts and reservation forms when needed.
· Work with customers to develop accurate sales forecasts to help the company ensure product availability in season.
· Participate in quarterly sales team meetings held at one of the company’s locations in Iowa.
· Office from home with frequent travel within the territory to meet with customers. Company vehicle, phone and other supporting resources are provided.
· Plan for and participate in key trade shows and conferences in the territory. Occasionally participate in trade shows in other territories as requested.
· Have a good understanding of fertilizer, ag retail, wholesale distribution and farming.
· Support, market and grow sales for our brands of products by utilizing our marketing resources within the given territory.
· Enjoy having fun, be driven to grow yourself and your business and being part of a very successful team environment.
Education, Skills and Experience:
· Bachelor’s degree, preferably in marketing, business or communications.
· A minimum of 5 years in agricultural input sales with a proven track record of generating strong sales growth using a relationship-based approach. Preferable experience in specialty agricultural inputs, which require communicating product differentiation and value.
· Deep knowledge of agricultural inputs industry including centers of influence, distribution, retailers, market structure and overall dynamics
· A high degree of self-motivation to facilitate excellent sales planning and execution without being highly managed.
· Knowledgeable in the use of Microsoft Office.
· Valid driver’s license.