Key Account Agronomist Job

Division: Commercial
Function: Agronomy (sales)
City: Bloomington
State/Province: Illinois [IL]
Country: United States [US]
Position Title: Key Account Agronomist
Job ID: 3073

Role Purpose/Accountabilities:
*Focus on On-Farm Discovery Plots including development of protocol, commitment for projects and analysis of data
*Deliver Data and prepared presentation aids to GROWMARK Tech Staff prior to Agronomy Days
*Training of GROWMARK staff (Product Managers and Tech Staff) on Syngenta products and solutions including in person training, and other various training opportunities including the when, where, topics, and speakers
*Develop work stream process' for solution based offers incorporating Green Plan Solutions
*Support coordination of GROWMARK Regional CP/SE/SC Kick Off meetings
*Communicate label changes, seed and trait updates, solution and agronomic updates and yield and performance data for all Syngenta product lines to GROWMARK tech team
*Coordinate agronomic and product updates/training with GLG to maximize opportunities in house brand utilization of SYT traits and genetics
*Position GROWMARK proprietary products and messages with Syngenta sales team
*Develop short and long term strategies to help GROWMARK understand the advantages of Syngenta products and solutions
*Technical subject matter expert for CP/SE/SC/Veg within account team
*Maintaining relationship with agronomy leads in area of influence
*Ensuring account team understands CP/Seeds/Veg specific agronomic opportunities and issues within the account to build into account plan if applicable
*Develop small plot and national plot strategy alongside account
*Coordinate with Crop Experts, Crop and Customer Marketing to ensure new technologies are featured in plots, and account personnel understand positioning
*Identify opportunities where possible to develop Integrated Solutions approaches to product line
*Ensure Sales Agronomy team is aligned strategically with goals of Key Accounts within their geography *Transition accountabilities:
*Maintaining relationship with key agronomic staff at National Accounts
*Ensuring that the current plot strategies for CP and Seeds are delivered and executed with excellence
*Look for opportunities to incorporate 'integrated solutions' mindset into plot strategy

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

Critical knowledge: *MS in Agronomy/related field preferred or BS in Agronomy with a minimum of 3 years experience required
*Strong written and oral communication skills
*Understanding of statistical principals and data analysis
*Significant technical knowledge of product portfolio, product pipeline and product value propositions
*Agronomic theory - knowledge of farming best practices, seed technologies, crop protection
*Understanding of segmentation strategy and priorities
*Must be proficient in the use of computers (Microsoft Office) and other computer databases as required

Critical Experience:
*Three to five years of sales experience in an agronomy related field
*Retail experience preferred

Critical Technical proffesional and personal capabilities:
*Problem solving skills (e.g. ability to diagnose issues with product performance and provide recommendations)
*Theoretical / practical sales knowledge (e.g., what to say and do depending on grower, dealer or retailer needs and unique situation)
*Customer facing skills: manage relationship, build trust, offer support
*Self-management and prioritization skills; balance time across sales reps and accounts in assigned geographic region
*Teaching/communication skills: ability to communicate highly technical information to growers, sales reps and accounts in a manner that is easily understandable

Critical Leadership capabilities:
*Set direction
*Drive Results

Critical Success Factors & Key Challenges: *Ability to operate in a matrix organization with Key Account team and Agronomy team
*Establish a plot strategy for the National Account that encompasses both Seeds and CP offers where applicable·
*Use the role as an enabler for the overall success of the Syngenta strategic direction

Additional Information:
*20% of work performed in a standard/home office environment
*80% of work performed in vehicle, at meetings and in field locations with employees, co-workers, customers and other associates (national travel required)
*Ability to work irregular hours, days, evenings and sometimes weekends
*Ability to travel by car and occasionally plane
*Participate and be recognized as leader in Ag industry and sales
*Proven track record of successfully completing projects
*All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.