Technical Service Manager

Function Overview

The Technical Service Manager (TSM) handles all the technical support functions for their area on behalf of FMC. This person works closely with the sales team and the regional sales leadership in the region. The research testing funds to the universities flow through the Technical Services Manager as does training presentations, localized sales tools and customer complaints. The TSM collaborates closely with the other technical support personnel outside the local geography as well as the marketing, regulatory and product development groups. The TSM will work closely with the Regional Technical Manager to ensure the technical focus of the region is in harmony with the technical focus across the North America Crop Business.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strong technical knowledge of commercial agriculture, new technologies and competitive chemistries & positioning impacting the business
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with university extension personnel and other important influencers in the territory to ensure they are adequately prepared to recommend FMC products upon launch and that FMC and our products are represented fairly in publications and in live field and industry events
• Develop, execute & supervise appropriate support activities aligned with key initiatives as outlined in the annual FMC Goals and Objectives
• Work hand in hand with Product Development teammates to ensure testing programs are aligned with market trends and that the Technical Service Manager is well educated regarding development projects as launch time approaches
• Manage expenses, service to sales dollars & product demo budget consistent & aligned with key regional initiatives
• Provide technical product training & give regional guidance on complaint handling and assist Field Sales Representatives (FSRs) in complaint calls where necessary for agronomic expertise, problem diagnosis, and input on resolution
• Manage, implement & supervise research testing funds and influence trial plans through the grant-in-aid (GIA) budget that are aligned with regional sales and marketing objectives
• Develop various training modules & take the lead in providing technical consulting & training to internal & external groups. Focus on new product launches & leading the technical transfer of information to sales teams & key customer groups
• Produce sales tools such as newsletters, technical recommendation sheets and other sales collateral
• Carefully review, edit and approve technical, sales, marketing and or advertising communications
• Analyze regional agronomic trends and provide strategic recommendations to leadership
• Mentor and coach junior Technical Service Representatives

Qualifications

• MS in Entomology, Plant Pathology/Physiology, Weed Science, Agronomy or other agricultural/related science or equivalent experience
• PhD preferred