Agronomy Manager

Recruiting Solutions LLC; Pocahontas (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruiting Solutions LLC is searching for an Agronomy Manager to lead the agronomy division in Pocahontas, Iowa. This role involves overseeing sales strategies, managing the agronomy team, and ensuring operational compliance to meet profitability goals.

The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor's degree, a minimum of 7 years of agriculture retail experience, inclusive of 2 years in a supervisory role, and demonstrate strong leadership along with critical thinking skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of agriculture retail experience.
• Minimum of five years of proven supervisory experience preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual sales and marketing plans.
• Manage key customer relationships and close strategic opportunities.
• Oversee market and supply chain risk management.

Skills

Budget management

Leadership

Communication

Decision making

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field

Tools

Sales forecasting software

Inventory management systems

Job description

Job Purpose

The Agronomy Manager is responsible for covering all aspects of the agronomy division: purchasing inputs, setting sales prices, coordinating the storage, distribution and application of fertilizer, chemicals and seed, and the overall profitability of the agronomy division. This position is also responsible for the hiring, mentoring, training and providing direction to the agronomy sales staff.

The Agronomy Manager will direct, promote, and coordinate the department in a manner that will optimize market share and profits, improve efficiency, help achieve mission and goals, and result in outstanding customer service.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop annual sales, marketing, and communication plans for developing business and goal achievement in support of company strategy and objectives.
• Create a culture of success and ongoing business and goal achievement.
• Recommend sales strategies for improvement based on market research and competitor analyses.
• Define and oversee sales staff compensation and incentive programs that motivate the sales teams to achieve their sales targets.
• Define sales processes that drive desired sales outcomes and identify improvement where and when required.
• Provide accurate and detailed sales forecasting and prepare sales budgets.
• Manage key customer relationships and participate in closing strategic opportunities.
• Leads the agronomy team by example to achieve group goals and objectives set for revenue, profitability and operating efficiency through training, mentoring, accountability and motivation.
• Provide annual business plans, operating budgets and financial projections; provide capital asset needs analysis, financial projections, project design and project oversight while maintaining the efficiency necessary to achieve a maximum margin of profit.
• Establish and implement a program for agronomy operations to include housekeeping, safety and equipment maintenance to avoid breakdowns and limit safety hazards.
• Manage the agronomy department according to department objectives to provide patrons with prompt, courteous and effective service.
• Educate both employees and patrons in the operations of the cooperative and business objectives to enhance employee effectiveness and improve member relations.
• Establish and implement short-term goals that are consistent with long-range plans for growth in operations, including facility, equipment, and personnel.
• Utilize personnel and equipment within the company footprint to provide excellent customer service and satisfaction.
• Establish product and service pricing consistently with competitive conditions, operating costs, and profit and cash flow objectives.
• Oversee market and input supply risk management utilizing strategies that limit undue risk to company and customers.
• Oversee logistics management, inventory and supply chain.
• Develop a strong business relationship with key customers and ensure team members provide outstanding, positive customer service.
• Ensure consistent compliance with regulatory and quality assurance requirements.
• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and other committees as assigned by Chief Executive Officer.
• Understand and maintain the professional image of company.
• Establish cohesive working relations with other employees, its patrons and vendors to establish a positive work environment.
• Complete training and attend meetings/workshops/seminars/continuing education appropriate to the position, as assigned and approved by direct supervisor.
• Inform the Chief Executive Officer of all relevant departmental issues in a timely manner.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by direct supervisor.
• Comply with all federal, state, and local regulations and company policies, including company safety policies.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B. S.) from four-year college or university plus 7+ years of agriculture retail experience, and 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• Minimum of five years of proven experience in a supervisory role preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License. Possess a driving record that meets or exceeds company driving guidelines.
• Key competencies include budget, communication, decision making, leadership and teamwork.
• Must have a manager focus on all interactions and exhibit strong critical thinking/ problem solving skills.
• Available to work extended hours when needed.