Account Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Expand Verdesian’s retail customer network within the designated Southern Illinois area by promoting the complete product range.

• Identify and recruit new retail partners.

• Deliver product training and expert support to facilitate product adoption.

• Develop and implement annual territory and business strategies.

• Collaborate with key customers.

• Provide precise sales forecasts to guarantee product availability.

• Manage operating budgets with accountability.

• Work collaboratively with Marketing and R&D to ensure product development aligns with customer requirements.

• Stimulate business growth by engaging and developing relationships with new retailers.

• Establish a consistent book of business and meet territory revenue and profit goals.

• Oversee the entire sales process from initial cold calls and retailer engagement to product sales and retailer management.

• Maintain comprehensive product knowledge and foster retailer relationships in a consultative capacity.

• Tackle market challenges and effectively convey the value of Verdesian products.

• Anticipate future sales and budget needs.

• Implement lead-generation initiatives and conduct research trials as necessary.

• Organize weekly and monthly sales activities to meet business plans and territory objectives.

• Collaborate with Marketing, Customer Service, and other departments concerning market trends and prospective territory expansion.

• Build business relationships and contribute to public relations efforts.

• Perform additional Account Manager responsibilities as needed.

⛳️ Requirements

• At least 5 years of full-time exempt sales experience in the agriculture sector.

• Experience with selling inoculants, fertilizer enhancers, and/or micronutrients is advantageous.

• A BA or BS degree in an agriculture-related discipline is preferred.

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or a related field, or Agronomy is listed as preferred education.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation abilities.

• Capability to cultivate strong working relationships.

• Proficiency in articulating product advantages and selling points based on retailer requirements.

• Demonstrated persuasion and negotiation skills.

• Strong time management and organizational capabilities.

• Proven track record in B2B sales.

• Ability to build rapport with Chemical Fertilizer Dealership Staff, Certified Crop Advisors, and Independent Crop Consultants.

• Capacity to engage with academic institutions.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and CRM systems.

• Clean driving record and readiness to travel long distances.

• Interest in and commitment to the significance of nutrient use efficiency.

• Strong understanding of biological technologies relevant to agriculture is a plus.

• Experience in lead generation and qualification is beneficial.

• Ability to comprehend and apply EPA and state regulations.

• Capacity to work as a collaborative team member, demonstrating innovation, enthusiasm, and attention to detail.

• Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset.

🏝️ Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer.

• Remote work arrangement.