Senior Region Manager - Lubricants - GROWMARK, Inc. - Remote (IA)

GROWMARK, Inc.; Waterloo (IA); Hybrid; USD 105,150 - 144,537; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) with company matching

Generous paid time off

Free Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

A leading agricultural cooperative is seeking a Lubricant Industry Technical Sales Specialist to drive growth for its Lubricants brand in the Central Western US region. This role involves developing strategic plans, fostering relationships with distributors, and understanding market dynamics. The ideal candidate will have extensive sales experience, ideally in the lubricant industry, and must be willing to travel 2–3 weeks per month. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and retirement planning.

Qualifications

• 10+ years related work experience in sales.
• Lubricant industry credentials such as STLE CLS or ICML certification are highly desirable.
• Understanding of energy-related products including lubricants and additives.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic growth plans with distributors.
• Co-manage relationships with new and existing customers.
• Lead liaison between distributors and GROWMARK.

Skills

Business knowledge

Collaboration

Communication

Customer focus

Decision making

Critical thinking

Persuasiveness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing or technical discipline

Tools

CRM software

Job description

SALARY RANGE: $105,150.00 - $144,537.50

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full‑line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

• Work from home position with expected travel to customers in IA, MO, KS, and OK approximately 2–3 weeks/month.

Purpose And Summary Statement

Lubricant industry technical sales specialist responsible for growing GROWMARK Lubricants branded business in the Central Western US region, working with distributor key account managers as the subject matter expert to secure key accounts/new business growth opportunities selling at all levels of management and building long‑term relationships with stakeholders. Driving sales and business development productivity across all vertical markets but not limited to expanding into other markets that are beneficial to the company.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop strategic growth plans in conjunction with the strategies of both distributor and GROWMARK, Inc. that provide mutual benefits. Development of bulk lubricant business opportunities within the region will be key to success.
• Learn GROWMARK Lubricants go‑to‑market technology and marketing platform to be presented at key accounts including co‑development of supporting marketing collateral.
• Co‑development of sales and marketing efforts in the region and identify additional opportunities for expansion of the product portfolio.
• Co‑manage relationships with new and existing customers in the region including account retention strategies.
• Lead liaison between distribution network and GROWMARK.
• Obtain a complete understanding of GROWMARK Lubricants manufacturing plant operations, capabilities and technical services.
• Responsible for meeting sales goals as established by supervisor. Co‑generate sales leads/targets and establish a pipeline for continued growth within the region.
• Assist in developing, training, motivating, expanding, and evaluating distribution networks. Keep pace with industry trends, market updates and competitive analysis.
• Understand customer needs and provide innovative value‑added solutions.
• Weekly travel to customers within assigned distribution network.
• Work in the field as necessary for application understanding, field trial verification, assist distributor sales force.
• Maintain a direct working relationship with distribution network and GROWMARK sales and support teams including lubricant plant activities, Division Manager, Technical Director, Business Development Manager, laboratory projects and marketing teams.
• Work internally with product management team, customer service, finance (credit establishment), supply chain, and R&D to ensure customer expectations are met, sales close and/or new customers are set up.
• Specific to working within distribution network responsibilities include but not limited to:
  • Build a trusting relationship with all job functions within the company.
  • Get to know and understand distributor ways‑of‑working in all regions of the territory.
  • Conduct business reviews quarterly.
  • Seek/prospect end‑user sales opportunities to bring to the distributor.
  • Ensure you are the first POV with distributor regarding GROWMARK lubricants.
  • Co‑develop sales incentive programs.
  • Set‑up regular sales calls with sales staff.
  • Evaluate training needs and lead lubricant training initiatives.

Other Job Functions

Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Normally requires a bachelor’s degree in marketing or an acquired technical discipline, and 10+ years related work experience to generate profitable sales in the assigned territory.
• Lubricant industry credentials are highly desired such as: STLE CLS, OMA and/or ICML certifications, GROWMARK EA/EMS.
• Requires the ability to work in territory 2–3 weeks per month.
• Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
• Understanding and experience with energy‑related products including finished lubricants, additives, grease, engine coolants and filters, sales/marketing, market analysis and pricing strategies.
• Critical thinking skills along with persuasiveness capability.
• CRM experience is highly desired.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to develop technical materials, make technical recommendations, and provide leadership with new technology advances.
• Proven computer skills and the ability to use the computer to enhance business processes.
• Must have the ability to travel independently and overnight as needed.
• Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.
• Commit to continuing education through advanced product knowledge and training, working with manufacturer’s reps, and attending manufacturer‑sponsored training classes.

At GROWMARK, we are dedicated to supporting the long‑term financial well‑being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work‑life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well‑being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job‑related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.