Senior Sales Agronomist
Remote, US Northbrook, IL, US, 60062
Job Description
The Sr Sales Agronomist will be responsible for driving sales and providing agronomic support to various participants in the agricultural value chain. This position will support Stepan’s growth and strategic interests in the Crop Protection, Crop Nutrition and Soil Health markets. The ideal candidate will have experience in crop solutions (Crop Protection products and tank mix adjuvants) and an agronomic background, be well versed in customer relationship management, and provide technical expertise to optimize crop productivity at all levels. The candidate will help to shape and grow Stepan’s agronomic competencies for future growth. Depending on the candidate, the split between sales and technical support will be determined. Location: Remote in US (preferably California, Midwest, or Southeast Regions)
Key Responsibilities:
· Sales Performance: Consistently deliver against volume and profitability goals
· Agronomic and Technical Support: Provide expert agronomic and technical support to growers and producers, to growers through distributors, ensuring they have the knowledge, tools, and data for success. Will be asked to present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
· Client Relationship Management: Develop and maintain long-term relationships with clients, gaining a deep understanding of their business goals and needs. Maintain strong relationships with existing customers to ensure ongoing satisfaction and loyalty.
· Information Sharing and Client Education: Share technical and market information to help clients improve the performance and suitability of their products. Answer inquiries from clients concerning products, their uses, and the industry at large. Collaborate with the Marketing team to bring relevant information to the customer regarding trends and new product launches and bring voice of customer to the team
· New Client Acquisition and Sales Strategy: Identify and locate new clients through networking, cold calls, and other methods. Develop and implement sales strategies within the crop protection conventional and biologicals, tank mix adjuvant, and soil health sectors throughout the value chain.
· Product Matching and Negotiation: Apply knowledge of the field and product features to match products to clients' needs. Build market map of unmet needs and work with internal team in R&D, Agronomy Research, and Marketing to help shape portfolio strategy and in tank mix adjuvant and biological market spaces.
· Teamwork and Collaboration: Work together with co-formulant sales team to support joint accounts and develop strategies to support full account needs from agronomy, to input selection, etc. Collaborate with Weed Science team to understand product field data, recommend additional tests to support needs, etc.
· Organize Test Plots & Demonstration Days: Develop test plans and locations to execute grower test plots to build confidence in new products and or integrated pest management spray programs. Strong presentation skills help to engage audiences and influence the adoption of new product launches.
· Digital Tools: Familiarity with key digital tools, such as GIS mapping, variable rate, application technology, and remote sensing
Qualifications
· Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) preferred but not required
· 5-7 years of experience working within the Agriculture value chain in the US; Experience in distribution and retail channels a plus
· Proven experience in sales and agronomy
· Strong understanding of crop protection, crop nutrition, soil health, and tank mix adjuvants. Background and understanding in biologicals a plus.
· Working knowledge of federal and state pesticide and fertilizer regulations as required
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
· Ability to work independently and manage multiple clients
· Proficiency in using agricultural software and tools
· Experience in an agronomic advisory role related to agricultural chemicals and fertilizer is highly desirable
· Bilingual or multilingual skills optional (especially Spanish)
· Travel up to 50%
Education
· Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, or a related field
Pay Range: $84,000 - $103,000
The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.
At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Discretionary Bonus
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401K with Match
- Profit Sharing
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Adoption Assistance
- Reactions – Recognition Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 22 global manufacturing locations and over 2,500 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.
We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.