Sales Development Associate - AgriGold Central Illinois

AgReliant Genetics, LLC; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Generous vacation time & paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Disability insurance

Life insurance

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Job summary

GDM Seeds is seeking a Sales Development Associate (SDA) to embark on a 12–24 month learning journey across US territories. You’ll gain hands-on exposure in seed sales cycles, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and build a personal process for recruiting and developing customers.

Relocation may be required and travel up to 50% is expected. You should be enrolled in an Agriculture degree program with a drive to learn and lead in a dynamic, supportive environment that prioritizes growth,

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or related field required (or expected by graduation).
• Prior sales internships or work experience highly desired.
• Must be willing to relocate.
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.
• Outdoor work ~60% of the time.
• Travel up to 50% of the time; valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Gain insight into a year-long seed sales cycle across multiple US facilities.
• Develop fundamental sales competencies through collaborative learning opportunities.
• Build relationships with GDM resource partners, cohorts, and leaders.
• Gain hands-on experience in research, production, marketing, finance, logistics, and customer care.
• Engage in projects including territory analysis and developing a personal recruitment process for customers.
• Develop innovative solutions to meet territory goals and demonstrate leadership and communication skills.
• Grow into a sales-focused role within the program and beyond.

Skills

Self-motivation

Time management

Integrity

Dependability

Communication skills

Work ethic

Professional attitude

Leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or related field

Job description

Job Category : Commercial

Requisition Number : SALES002892

• Posted : September 23, 2026
• Full-Time
• Remote

Locations

Showing 1 location

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.

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 1 st of the month following date of hire)
• Generous vacation time & paid holidays
• 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.

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.