Account Manager Leader

Simplot Canada (II) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Simplot Company. The Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.

This Simplot Grower Solutions role provides customer service to growers through the sale of crop nutrition, crop protection, seed, specialty, technology and other agronomic products and consultative services. The role is led under the general direction of the Market Manager, who provides support and leadership to all Crop Advisors within specifically recognized agronomic geographies to achieve the Company’s financial goals and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the sales function at location and facilitate the location product forecasting and sales planning function.
• Work with the Regional Manager and Location Manager to determine target account management responsibilities within location customer base.
• Oversee sales function for each assigned account and work toward a proactive and strong professional relationship with each.
• Establish internal resource requirements for each account.
• Ensure timely data entry for accounts into CRM system and ensure customer records are up to date and current.
• Ensure compliance with company customer management standards.
• Oversee the development of an annual crop plan including annual budget with accounts and ensure appropriate credit is in place for all purchase requirements.
• Manage accounts receivable for assigned customers.
• Ensure proper completion of credit applications.
• Ensure appropriate level of customer service for all customers.
• Communicate competitive landscape pertaining to sales and operations information with Regional Manager.
• Identify and pursue new customer opportunities in line with corporate direction.
• Promote and ensure delivery of Agronomy and Ag Innovation services for assigned customers.
• Assist in agronomy where necessary and appropriate.
• Organize customers to attend tours, meetings and events.
• Attend appropriate professional and agronomy courses to meet Simplot Grower Solutions standards.
• Plan an appropriate level of contact with customers to maintain strong professional relationships.
• Understand and lead the location on manufacturer programming and product; maximize programs for all assigned customers.
• Work to increase sales, profit, and market-share through strong professional business relationships.
• Support operations during peak season and as required.
• Work with the location team to sale completion, such as tracking sales, credit, and delivery.
• Work with Location Manager and Regional Manager to develop and manage an accurate sales forecast to minimize product inventory levels while maximizing sales for the branch location.
• Attend workshops/training sessions to continually upgrade skills and knowledge.
• Attend manufacturer, distributor and industry meetings and functions as required.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with vendor/supplier representatives.
• Participate and contribute to regularly scheduled conference calls and individual coaching sessions.

Agronomy Support

• Assist customers with all types of agronomic advice.
• Ensure availability for scouting fields if necessary.
• Assist with soil samples when required.
• Assist Agronomists in analyzing soil sample results and provide recommendations based on the info.
• Work to continually improve agronomic knowledge base.
• Ensure communication, debriefing and updating of results, agronomic information and cropping experiences with other Simplot Grower Solutions agronomists.

Operations Support

• Assist in the day-to-day activities of the location as required.
• Assist in management of inventory levels.
• Assist in organizing and maintaining chemicals in warehouse to ensure compliance with safety codes.
• Assist in handling farm inputs at the warehouse.
• Work with other location team members to improve overall customer service.
• Be willing to help with answers to questions if you are able.
• Assist with administration tasks when necessary.

Industry Liaison

• Establish and maintain strong relationships and large industry network.
• Communicate with designated representatives for manufacturers and distributors.
• Learn and upgrade knowledge of new products and product updates on chemical, fertilizer, and seed as required.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of key industry people and competitors.

Expectations

Simplot Grower Solutions relationship with customers is one of our primary differentiators. This position is critical to our customers and locations. We expect the highest level of professionalism and a level of customer knowledge that far surpasses our competition. Simplot Grower Solutions profitability comes from our ability to deliver products and services that meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. We expect our Account Managers to lend a hand to operations team members to ensure the highest level of satisfaction for customers when the need is there. To properly manage an account takes our entire team. When the customer wins, the team wins, and when the team wins, the individual wins.

Qualifications

• Passionate about Agriculture and the future of Agriculture.
• Minimum of 3 years of sales/agronomy related experience.
• Degree or Diploma in Agriculture or related field (e.g. Agronomy, Plant Science, Biological Science, Seed Science or Environmental Studies) or business is an asset.
• Valid class 5 driver’s license.
• Work location is flexible.
• Daily travel, extended hours, and overnight travel within trade area is required.

Physical Demands

Must be physically fit, able to lift a minimum of 50 lb boxes into the back of a pick-up truck, able to climb on and off farm machinery, able to walk and work in field plots.