General Summary
Performs on-farm sales consultations with current and prospective customers to drive retail sales orders of feed seed fertilizer crop protectants farm supplies petroleum and all related services. Sales area may cover several counties and include one or more retail locations. Relies on knowledge of farming best practices livestock crops production and SSC products and services as well as interpersonal skills to develop strong customer relationships.
Essential Job Functions -- complexity of essential job functions increases with grade level
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 customers 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 stores.
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 uniformattire 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.
Southern States is the place for those who do. For almost a century, we have consistently provided expert products, services and advice to people who aren't afraid of getting their hands dirty.
Today, our mission is to be the best at giving you the tools you need to get the job done right- whether you're running a large commercial farm, tending a backyard garden or just trying to keep your yard looking green and lush. We fulfill this mission by providing a full range of services and growing solutions for farms and around the home.
By creating lifelong relationships with those who share a mutual love of the land, we can ensure the success of our customers through the level of service and solutions we provide them.
At Southern States, we are proud to be one of the nation's largest farmer-owned cooperatives - a place for those who do.
Our employees enjoy a competitive salary & comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision and dental insurance, wellness program, paid time off, volunteer time off, paid disability and life insurance, 401k savings plan, educational assistance and more. Come join us. For more information on Southern States, please visit our website at www.southernstates.com.
Southern States Cooperative, Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws, or regulations.