The ideal candidate for this position will have a degree in agriculture and will have 3-5 years of field experience in the crop protection industry. Candidates with extensive experience working in all of the following cropping systems is preferred – corn, soybeans, cereals, potatoes, sugarbeets, sunflowers and dry beans. They will have a thorough understanding of the US crop protection industry. The successful candidate will exhibit strong inter-personal skills and be equally skilled at communicating with fellow colleagues at the university or private level as well as marketing and sales people and customers. The successful candidate will have strong verbal and written communication skills with experience in translating detailed scientific information into practical decision-ready information for non-technical clients. They will be a self-starter able to take initiative and conduct themselves in a professional manner with little direct supervision. The successful candidate will be a strong team player and thrive in the role of being the lead technical expert supporting the sales needs in their assigned region.
Geographic Area: South Dakota and Southern Minnesota
Position Location: Western MN or Eastern SD
Examples of Specific Duties:
P&L responsibility
Sales—establishing and meeting objectives
Expenses—budget and manage sales support expenses including business promotion, communications, development G&A
General business functions such as warehouse selection, inventory planning (with support from Gowan Distribution Center)
Establish relationship with those who influence the business
Ascertain preferred way to market, consistent with Gowan’s capabilities
Distribution management—gain support and rapport
Distribution field locations—develop a few champions
Key growers to balance input and support product
Commodity groups and others who influence buying
Advocate the Territory within Gowan and educate Gowan Company
Find how to suit Gowan’s resources and direction to the region
Evaluate or generate new product opportunities suitable for the region. Champion these internally and externally
Plan business 2-3 years out
Determine products for focus
Outline trials needed for development work
Establish or grow Gowan’s reputation in the Region
Gather intelligence to fit into our global information mosaic
Build presence as company dedicated to agriculture
Minimum Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Plant Science, Weed Science or Agronomy with 3-5+ years field experience in crop protection industry. Experience in the crop protection industry.
Experience in the Upper Midwest geographic area is preferred.
