Sales Specialist

This role will enable you to lead, coach, and mentor cooperatives and independent dealers to help increase feed sales within the NW Iowa territory. You will partner with them in achieving improved production and profitability in their operations using Purina Feed Programs, products, and services. The objective is to increase market share through the use and sale of proprietary technologies and products, along with your knowledge of animal nutrition with an emphasis on cattle. This is a remote position working with customers in Northwest Iowa; you must live in the sales area.

Responsibilities

• Sales Activities
  • Meet or exceed sales and budget expectations for the area, including ownership of expenses within the territory.
  • Conduct targeted prospect calls to develop new and existing business growth; actively call on end-user customers with and through dealers.
  • Develop local dealer/cooperative sales members to ensure sales goals are met in Livestock, Lifestyle, additives, and milk replacer categories.
  • Lead by example by supporting on-farm activities to help sales members meet sales goals.
• Business Execution
  • Actively work with assigned cooperatives/dealers in supporting the development and execution of sales growth strategies that incorporate Purina feed programs and technologies through annual planning.
  • Develop strong and trusting sales relationships enabling training programs, events, and activities to support dealer/cooperative growth.
  • Develop strategic relationships with key customer and account leadership—CEOs, GMs, Feed Department Managers, and strategic location managers.
• Collaboration and Strategy
  • Build internal and external relationships that engage different companies or divisions to support broader growth goals.
  • Consistently work toward overall goals by showcasing new or improved ways to elevate opportunities within the geography through creativity and trend-setting methods.
  • Lead through the usage of tools to help track, communicate, and collaborate with a long-term vision.

Requirements

• 2-3 years of successful sales and/or nutritional experience influencing individuals through knowledge.
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Strong general management skills, including the ability to resolve issues quickly and effectively, analytical and strategic thinking.
• Successful budget management, including expenses and sales reporting.
• Solid understanding of animal husbandry, current management practices, and nutritional guidelines with a focus on cattle.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Creative thinker: possess the ability to develop and create new ideas, systems, and relationships for the success of the company.
• Planning skills: must have the ability to develop specific plans to execute growth goals.
• Relationship skills: ability to create and maintain positive relationships with current and prospective owners and partners.
• Proven ability to interact well with customers, suppliers, employees, and management at all levels.
• Ability to effectively lead and manage through change.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including virtual tools and Salesforce.
• Overnight travel: up to 40%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or a related business field (e.g., Animal Science/Nutrition, Ag Business, Ag Education) is desired.

Pay

• Compensation includes a base salary plus commission. Base salary is dependent upon experience/tenure and generally ranges between $87,000–$107,000.
• Target bonus: $30,000.
• In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of the salary range.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Life and disability insurance.
• Education assistance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• A variety of well-being resources.
• Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).