Ag Solutions Sales Advisor

Position Overview

The Ag Solutions Sales Advisor is responsible for developing and maintaining strong customer relationships while promoting the full range of products and services offered by Northern Partners Cooperative. This includes agronomy products such as seed, crop protection, and plant nutrition, as well as value-added solutions from other cooperative departments, including fuel, propane, and lubricants.

Key Responsibilities

• Sales Expertise: Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy that encompasses seed products, crop protection, plant nutrition, precision agriculture technologies, and value-added solutions from other cooperative departments (e.g., fuel, propane, lubricants).
• Proactively analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs to identify growth opportunities and expand market share.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of Northern Partners Cooperative’s products, services, and marketing approach, as well as current advancements in seed technology, crop genetics, agronomic practices, and precision ag tools.
• Regularly conduct sales calls and on-site visits with target customers throughout the trade area to strengthen relationships, promote the cooperative, and generate new business.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop competitive marketing strategies and identify opportunities for cross-selling.

Customer Relationship Management & Service

• Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with customers, partners, and key stakeholders by providing attentive, personalized service.
• Proactively identify and cultivate new business opportunities while strengthening ties with existing customers through regular on-site visits, open communication, and responsive support.
• Collaborate with customers to understand their operational needs and recommend tailored solutions from Northern Partners Cooperative’s full range of products and services.
• Deliver technical expertise and guidance on optimal product use, agronomic practices, and safe handling procedures.
• Conduct customer training sessions on product features, benefits, and best practices.
• Ensure accurate and efficient processing of orders, coordinate timely delivery, and work closely with internal teams to maintain exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Promote a positive and professional culture with both customers and colleagues, always greeting patrons courteously, expressing appreciation for their business, and upholding the cooperative’s safety, health, environmental, and quality standards by reporting concerns promptly.

Team Collaboration & Operational Support

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including location managers, operations staff, and internal departments, to align sales strategies with marketing initiatives, product development, and overall cooperative objectives.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and support to team members to help them achieve or exceed sales goals while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a flexible resource by stepping into operational or field roles as needed to ensure work is completed efficiently and customer expectations are met.
• Monitor and communicate ordering needs in a timely manner to optimize pricing, inventory, and delivery schedules for customers.
• Review and discuss sales activity reports with the Department Director to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Maintain open communication across teams to ensure a cohesive approach to customer satisfaction, product performance, and operational efficiency.

Prevention

• Conduct regular field scouting to monitor crop growth, identify potential pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, and other production challenges, and develop timely, effective management recommendations.
• Communicate findings to producers and advise on agronomic practices, application timing, and other solutions to optimize yield and quality.
• Coordinate and participate in field trials and product demonstrations to highlight the performance and value of seed varieties and related products.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret trial data to provide customers with evidence-based recommendations that support informed decision-making.
• Mentor and train Interns, sharing practical knowledge on crop production, field management, and cooperative sales practices.

Marketing Analysis

• Collaborate with management and team members to set annual sales and gross margin objectives that align with cooperative goals.
• Engage with customers to provide well-informed recommendations designed to enhance their profitability, encourage repeat business, and minimize product-related issues.
• Monitor and analyze market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments to identify opportunities and anticipate challenges.
• Gather and communicate market intelligence to support product development and marketing initiatives.
• Establish clear sales targets and performance metrics, tracking progress regularly to evaluate individual and team results.
• Prepare and present comprehensive sales reports to senior leadership, outlining key performance indicators, sales trends, forecasts, and actionable insights.
• Conduct performance analyses to pinpoint areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to drive results.