Ag Solutions Sales Advisor

Northern Partners Cooperative; Tonica (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

401(k) retirement plans

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Northern Partners Cooperative in Tonica, Illinois, is looking for an Ag Solutions Sales Advisor. This role involves developing strong customer relationships while promoting a range of agricultural products. Key responsibilities include sales strategy development, customer service, and providing tailored agronomy solutions. Candidates should have experience in sales or agriculture, strong communication skills, and a relevant degree. The position offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and ongoing training opportunities.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of sales experience in agriculture or related fields.
• Basic understanding of crop production practices.
• Proficiency in CRM tools and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a sales strategy for agricultural products.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers.
• Conduct field scouting and provide agronomic recommendations.

Skills

Sales expertise

Customer relationship management

Agricultural knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Overview

The Ag Solutions Sales Advisor is responsible for developing and maintaining strong customer relationships while promoting the full range of products and services offered by Northern Partners Cooperative. This includes agronomy products such as seed, crop protection, and plant nutrition, as well as value-added solutions from other cooperative departments. The Advisor works closely with customers to understand their operational goals, provide tailored recommendations, and ensure they have access to the right products, services, and expertise to achieve success.

Key Responsibilities

• Sales Expertise (30%): Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy that encompasses seed products, crop protection, plant nutrition, precision agriculture technologies, and value-added solutions. Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs to identify growth opportunities. Conduct sales calls and on-site visits, collaborate with internal teams, and provide training and product knowledge support to team members.
• Customer Relationship Management & Service (30%): Build and sustain trust-based relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders through personalized service and regular on-site visits. Recommend tailored solutions, deliver technical expertise, and coordinate accurate order processing and timely delivery. Promote a positive and professional culture with customers and colleagues.
• Team Collaboration & Operational Support (15%): Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align sales strategies with marketing initiatives, product development, and overall cooperative objectives. Provide coaching and support to team members, monitor ordering needs, and review sales activity reports with leadership.
• Prevention (10%): Conduct regular field scouting to monitor crop growth, identify pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, and other production challenges, and develop timely recommendations. Coordinate field trials, product demonstrations, and mentor interns.
• Marketing Analysis (10%): Collaborate with management to set annual sales and margin objectives. Monitor and analyze market trends, gather intelligence, and establish clear sales targets. Prepare and present comprehensive sales reports to leadership.
• Other (5%): Contribute to additional company and team efforts, projects, and initiatives as needed. Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum Experience:
  • 1–3 years of sales, customer service, or agricultural-related experience—preferably involving seed, crop inputs, or other farm supply products.
  • Basic understanding of crop production practices and the ability to learn cooperative products and services quickly.
• Preferred Experience:
  • 3–5 years of progressive sales or account management experience in agriculture, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals.
  • Hands‑on experience with seed selection, crop protection recommendations, plant nutrition, and/or precision agriculture technologies.
  • Experience conducting field trials, customer training, and product demonstrations.
  • Familiarity with CRM software and agricultural business systems.

License/Certification

• Required:
  • Valid Driver’s License – Must have a current, unrestricted driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Preferred:
  • Pesticide Applicator License – State‑specific license for applying crop protection products.
  • Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) – Demonstrates agronomic expertise and credibility with customers.
  • Other relevant agricultural certifications, such as seed, crop nutrition, or precision agriculture technologies.
• Commercial Driver’s License – Class A CDL with HAZMAT, tanker, and airbrake endorsements required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of agricultural products, including seed, crop protection, plant nutrition, and related cooperative offerings.
• Understanding of crop production practices, pest and nutrient management, and agronomic principles.
• Familiarity with sales and marketing principles, customer relationship management, and territory management.
• Awareness of industry trends, competitor products, and market dynamics.
• Knowledge of safe handling practices for agricultural products.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers, colleagues, and management.
• Strong sales and negotiation skills, including the ability to identify opportunities and close sales effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM or sales tracking systems.
• Time management and organizational skills to manage a large customer territory efficiently.
• Problem‑solving skills to provide practical solutions to customer challenges.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong customer relationships and build trust with stakeholders.
• Ability to travel regularly within the assigned territory and conduct on‑site visits in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Ability to analyze field and trial data and translate findings into actionable recommendations for customers.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams.
• Ability to provide coaching or training to team members or interns when required.

Environmental Conditions & Physical Demands

• Work primarily in office and outdoor agricultural field settings.
• Frequent travel within the assigned territory, including driving in rural areas and on farm properties.
• Exposure to a variety of weather conditions—heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Regular walking, standing, bending, and climbing during field visits, demonstrations, and inspections.
• Occasional exposure to dust, pollen, crop chemicals, and noisy conditions. PPE provided and required when applicable.
• Interaction with farm equipment and machinery under standard safety protocols.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials or product samples up to 50 lbs and pull or push items up to 25–50 lbs occasionally.
• Ability to operate computers, mobile devices, and office equipment accurately.
• Ability to read labels, reports, and product specifications; recognize field conditions and equipment indicators.
• Work may require extended hours, weekends, holidays, and/or alternate shifts as needed.

Benefits

• Three health insurance plan options with prescription benefits.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Two dental plan options (base plan at no cost if enrolled in health plan).
• Vision plan at no cost if enrolled in health plan.
• Company‑paid group life & AD&D.
• Supplemental life & AD&D (employee & dependents).
• Company‑paid short‑term disability.
• Supplemental short‑term/long‑term disability.
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans.
• Defined benefit cooperative retirement pension plan.
• $250 yearly clothing reimbursement allowance.
• Paid time off (PTO) – vacation, personal days, and sick time.
• 9.5 paid holidays.
• Additional benefits: paid bereavement, paid jury duty, family medical leave (FMLA), paid maternity/paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer day, wellness program, profit sharing, employee assistance program, company‑paid learning courses, LifeMart discount program, and more.

Additional Information

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All information provided will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. No agencies or third‑party vendors.