Sales Development Associate - AgriGold Central Illinois

GDM; Central (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Generous vacation & paid holidays

Volunteer Time Off

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Disability & life insurance

Health Savings Account with company co

Flexible Spending Account

Job summary

GDM Seeds in the United States is launching a Sales Development Associate (SDA) program designed to build future sales leaders. Over 12-24 months you will learn the full seed sales cycle, work across US territories, and collaborate with the sales team on projects that drive the business.

You will gain hands-on experience in research, production, marketing, finance, logistics and customer care while developing leadership and relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in BS in Agriculture with expected graduation 2026–2027.
• Prior sales internships or work experience desired.
• Willing to relocate for the role.
• Travel up to 50% and ability to lift up to 70 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Gain insight to a year-long seed sales cycle across US facilities.
• Develop fundamental sales competencies through formal and experiential learning.
• Build relationships with resource partners, cohorts, and leaders.
• Gain hands-on experience in research, production, marketing, finance, logistics, and customer care.
• Lead territory analysis and recruit/develop customers; manage projects.
• Develop new and creative solutions to meet company and territory goals.
• Demonstrate leadership and communication skills.

Skills

Sales internship experience

Excellent communication skills

Willing to relocate

Ability to travel

Professional attitude

Education

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or related field (graduation 2026–2027)

Job description

Who We Are

GDM Seeds is a global leader in plant genetics, dedicated to transforming agriculture through technological innovation. With a continuous focus on research and development, we bring the most advanced and high‑performing seed varieties to the market, creating new growth opportunities for our partners and for the future of agribusiness.

Who We Are

GDM Seeds is a global leader in plant genetics, dedicated to transforming agriculture through technological innovation. With a continuous focus on research and development, we bring the most advanced and high‑performing seed varieties to the market, creating new growth opportunities for our partners and for the future of agribusiness.

Our North America portfolio includes leading brands like AgriGold®, DONMARIO®, Mustang™, PRIDE® Seeds, Revere®, and Virtue, supported by a network of research superstations, one of the largest corn genetic pools and the fourth‑largest corn research program. Through our combined expertise, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering top‑tier seed solutions to help farmers grow and succeed. GDM’s region‑first brand model reinforces the company’s long‑standing promise to deliver top-performing genetics and robust agronomic support - ensuring farmers have the right genetics, in the right place, at the right time.

OUR DNA

We are passionate about what we do and driven by curiosity. We believe that learning and innovation are the foundation for transforming the future of agriculture. Our focus is on cutting‑edge genetic development, creating solutions that make a difference in the field and in the global market.

Our DNA not only guides us but also connects us: we work with empathy, transparency, and respect, ensuring agile and flexible operations. Here, you are the protagonist of your career, because we believe every individual plays an essential role in building something greater.

If you are passionate about learning and want to be part of evolving agriculture, GDM is the right place for you!

We are proud to offer a competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match (eligible 1st of the month following date of hire)
• Generous vacation time & paid holidays
• Volunteer Time Off
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition and Health Club reimbursement
• Other benefits: Company paid Long-term and short-term disability insurance, company paid life insurance and optional supplemental life insurance, health savings account (HSA) with a company contribution and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Do you have a passion for the agriculture industry and a desire to learn and grow? Are you a go‑getter, someone that connects with people and excels at building relationships?

Here at GDM Seeds, you are empowered to learn our business and deliver the best to our customers each and every day. We are inviting forward thinking and courageous future leaders to embrace an entrepreneurial approach and start their journey of growth via our Sales Development Associate Program.

What to Expect?

As a Sales Develop Associate (SDA), you will have an opportunity to develop through key experiences to build your skills, capabilities, and network that will establish a foundation for success. You will be part of a 12-24 month learning journey where you will have the opportunity to learn the sales cycle while working within different geographical areas within the US. Additionally, you will gain exposure to many aspects of our business all while developing your sales skills. You will work within key territories and partner with the sales team on a variety of projects that directly impact the business. Within the program period, you may have the opportunity to be placed within a sales territory while continuing to finish the program. Throughout the program, you will be prepared to land in a sales role to continue growing in your career.

What YOU will do:

• You will gain insight to a year‑long seed sales cycle and can work and develop at various facilities across the US. You will get to expand your horizons!
• You will develop fundamental sales competencies through formal, collaborative, and experiential learning opportunities. This will set you up for success!
• You will develop relationships throughout GDM with multiple resource partners, cohorts, and leaders. Building relationships is the core of what we do!
• You will gain hands‑on experience in research, production, marketing, finance, logistics, and customer care. This will deepen your knowledge of how the entire organization operates!
• Engage in a variety of impactful projects including territory analysis and how to develop a personal, repeatable process for recruiting, attracting, and developing customers. This will test your project management skills!
• Develop new and creative solutions to meet company and territory goals. Innovation is what will make you stand out!
• You will develop important leadership qualities. This will help you to be a strong communicator and problem solver!

Who YOU are

• Highly self‑motivated: You are eager to learn, ask questions and collaborate with others to learn our business
• Strong time management skills: You have the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and learn and adapt to various business areas
• Integrity: You exuberate trust, honesty, and ethics
• Dependability: You are reliable, responsible and can be counted on
• Excellent Communication Skills: You are an effective communicator both in writing and speaking. You thrive with collaborating in a team setting
• Strong Work Ethic: You work hard and have a “get things done” mentality
• Professional Attitude: You show up every day with the goal to better understand our customers’ needs driving our collective passion to #HelpFarmersGrow
• Strong Leader: You take charge of situations and challenge others to step up their game

Qualifications AND Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or related field from an accredited school with a graduation date between December 2026 and May 2027
• Prior sales internships or work experience highly desired
• Must be willing to relocate
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs
• Ability to work outdoors 60% of the time
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
• Have a valid driver’s license and meet Motor Vehicle requirements

GDM is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply.

Learn more about us at gdmseeds.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GDMSeeds.