Crop Specialist - South Central FS, Inc. - Sullivan, IL

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably.

About the role

Under the direction of the Area Manager, generates profitable sales in the assigned territory through cold calling, target marketing, competitive analysis, and providing value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations. Ensures the credit worthiness of customers and promotes credit programs as marketing tools. This is an outside sales position responsible for sales and delivery of product, as well as sales and marketing of products and accounts receivable within the assigned territory. Ability to work extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Conduct consistent, direct sales calls on at least 20 prospective customers and work with existing customers in assigned sales territory.
• Drive and deliver profitable sales growth.
• Obtain orders and/or contracts for South Central FS products and services.
• Assist in implementing marketing plans and developing sales strategies that generate profitable sales.
• Provide value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations to patrons and prospects.
• Provide customer service by using soil testing, crop scouting, precision farming, and other programs, and follow up on complaints.
• Attend all training meetings, school trainings, and seminars as assigned.
• Ensure the credit worthiness of customers, quote prices and credit terms, and prepare sales contracts for orders obtained.
• Promote the use of credit programs as a sales tool and help provide the required information to establish credit.
• Promote the use of Ag Finance, Precision Farming & Crop Insurance.
• Ensure accounts receivable is within company’s credit policy.
• Work closely with the credit department in collection of accounts receivable.
• Responsible for maintaining assigned vehicle according to company standards.
• Wear required company uniform and maintain a clean professional appearance.
• Ability to travel independently and overnight as needed.
• Successfully adhere to safety rules and company policies and procedures (EHS, OSHA, and DOT).
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum: College Degree.
• Requires strong understanding of on-farm production practices.
• Willingness to actively engage in training program and self-study.
• Persistence to have high sales call frequency with prospective accounts.
• Must obtain and maintain a Class A C.D.L. license with endorsements for Hazmat, tank, and air brakes.
• Must pass the D.O.T. physical and drug test prior to employment and continue to pass these tests as required.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of sixty pounds overhead and position products as requested.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight as required.
• Must work in all types of weather conditions and temperatures.
• Working knowledge of applicable company computer programs.

Benefits

• Fully funded pension.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Supplemental plans: accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Pay

Salary range: $50,000–$75,000 plus bonus. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. Certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.