Account Manager, Southern IL

Verdesian Life Sciences; Illinois; Remote; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Verdesian Life Sciences is seeking a remote Account Manager, Sales to grow our retail base in Southern IL. You will own the end-to-end sales cycle, onboard new retailers, and provide product training to drive adoption of our portfolio.

The role requires 5+ years in agricultural sales, strong communication, and a proven ability to forecast, plan, and collaborate with Marketing and R&D. Travel within the territory is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years full-time exempt sales experience in Agriculture industry.
• Preferred BA/BS in Agriculture or related field.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel and manage territory budgets.

Responsibilities

• Drive growth in the assigned region by calling on new retailers to meet revenue targets.
• Own the entire sales cycle from cold calls to retailer onboarding and management.
• Maintain strong product knowledge and build consultative retailer relationships.
• Develop annual territory and business plans with forecasts and budgets.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship building

Time management

Negotiation

Sales experience

Education

BA/BS in Agriculture related field

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Verdesian is seeking an individual to fill our remote Account Manager, Sales role in Southern IL. The Account Manager is responsible for growing Verdesian’s retail customer base within assigned territory by selling the full product portfolio. This role focuses on identifying and onboarding new retail partners, providing product training, and supporting adoption through expert guidance. The Account Manager will develop and execute annual territory and business plans, collaborate with VIP customers, and provide accurate sales forecasts to ensure proper product availability. They are expected to manage their operating budgets responsibly and work cross-functionally with Marketing and R&D to align product development with customer needs. Success in this role requires strong product knowledge, sales acumen, and a commitment to delivering value to both customers and the organization.

• Drive business growth in assigned region calling on and building business with new retailers, establishing a recurring book of business, to achieve territory revenue and profit targets
• Own the entire sales cycle from cold calling and initial retailer engagement to selling products and managing the retailer
• Maintain a high level of product knowledge & develop strong relationships to become a consultant with prospective/acquired retailers overcoming market challenges and positioning the value of Verdesian products
• Develop business plans to strategically target retailers in assigned territory forecasting future sales and budgets
• Leverage and execute lead generation campaigns and research trials as appropriate
• Structure weekly/monthly sales efforts to achieve business plans and territory target
• Anticipate retailers and territory needs regularly engaging marketing, customer service, and other departments to share market trends and prepare for future territory growth
• Understand and deploy a working knowledge of EPA and state regulations
• Facilitate business relationships contributing to public relations
• Other Account Manager duties not listed above as required

Qualifications:

• Interest & belief in the importance of nutrient use efficiency
• Experience selling inoculants, fertilizer enhancers, and/or micronutrients a plus
• Minimum work experience of 5 years full-time exempt sales experience in Agriculture industry
• Preferred education of BA or BS degree in Agriculture related field

Criteria:

• Strong communication (both written and verbal) and presentation skills
• Proven ability to develop deep working relationships
• Ability to clearly articulate key product benefits and selling points based on retailer needs
• Proven persuasion and negotiation skills
• Effective time management and organization skills to succeed in fast-paced environment
• Proven track record in business-to-business sales environment
• Ability to work with and establish rapport with Chemical Fertilizer Dealership Staff, Certified Crop Advisors, and Independent Crop Consultants
• Ability to interface and engage with academic arenas
• Efficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) & CRM systems
• Maintain a clean driving record with ability to travel long distances
• Experience in lead generation and qualification a plus
• Strong understanding of biological technologies as related to agriculture a plus

Verdesian Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex, and sexual orientation.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Preferred

Innovative

Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Enthusiastic

Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Detail Oriented

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

Preferred

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Self-Starter

Inspired to perform without outside help

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Agriculture or related field.

Bachelors or better in Agronomy.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.