Seed Sales Representative
Location: Michigan
Position Summary:
The Seed Sales Representative is responsible for promoting and selling Gowan Seeds' product portfolio to growers, distributors, and agricultural professionals within a designated territory. The Sales Representative will develop and maintain relationships with customers, provide technical advice on seed products, and ensure that customer needs are met with tailored solutions. This role requires a strong understanding of agronomy and crop production, as well as the ability to work independently to achieve sales targets.
Job Status:
Full-Time
Salaried / Commission-Based
Exempt
Reports to:
Sales Manager
Role Responsibilities:
Sales and Business Development:
- Promote and sell Gowan Seeds' product portfolio, including conventional and specialty seed varieties, to growers, distributors, and retailers within the assigned territory.
- Develop new business opportunities and build long-term relationships with key customers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
- Identify customer needs and recommend appropriate seed products to optimize yield, quality, and profitability for growers.
- Achieve or exceed sales targets by developing and executing effective sales strategies.
- Monitor competitor products, pricing, and market trends to maintain a competitive edge.
- Manage accounts receivable in sales portfolio
Customer Support and Technical Advice:
- Provide technical product support to customers, including advice on seed selection, planting techniques, crop management, and best practices for achieving high yield results.
- Conduct field visits and on-farm trialing to showcase the performance and benefits of Gowan Seeds’ products.
- Collaborate with the research and development (R&D) team to provide feedback on product performance and customer preferences.
- Plant and evaluate field trials to promote products and/or target new opportunities.
- Address customer inquiries and resolve issues related to product performance, quality, and delivery.
Market Research and Reporting:
- Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges within the territory.
- Prepare regular sales reports, forecasts, and market analyses for the Sales Manager.
- Participate in industry events, grower meetings, and trade shows to promote Gowan Seeds and stay up-to-date with industry developments.
Other duties as assigned
Education and Training:
- Educate customers on new seed technologies, research findings, and agronomic practices that support the use of Gowan Seeds products.
- Organize and conduct grower meetings, training sessions, and field days to promote seed products and build relationships with customers.
Education / Experience / Skills / Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field preferred.
- 3-5 years of experience in agricultural sales, seed sales, or agronomy.
- Strong understanding of seed products, crop production, and agronomic practices.
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets in the agricultural sector.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with customers, growers, and distributors.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
- Ability to analyze market trends and competitor activities to adjust sales strategies.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively within the territory.
Job Expectations / Working Conditions:
- Must be able to travel extensively within the assigned territory to meet with customers and attend industry events.
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, conducting on-farm visits and product demonstrations.
- Work may require occasional evening or weekend hours during peak seasons.
Skills Required
- 3-5 years of experience in agricultural sales, seed sales, or agronomy
- Strong understanding of seed products, crop production, and agronomic practices
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets in the agricultural sector
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for building customer, grower, and distributor relationships
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and customer relationship management tools
- Ability to analyze market trends and competitor activities
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within the territory
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field
What We Do
Gowan Company is a Yuma, AZ-based, family-owned company that has evolved into a global player in the agricultural input industry. Over 50 years ago, Jon Jessen began his venture working in the fields alongside farmers to help them identify, and solve pest problems that threatened to compromise the health of their crops and their livelihood. Today, the Gowan Group employs over 950 employees globally with entities in 11 countries including France, Italy, Spain, UK, Canada, and Mexico. The company’s products and services include crop protection products (insecticides, fungicides, etc.) as well as seeds and fertilizers. Contract formulation, manufacturing, and warehousing are also included in the comprehensive suite of products and services provided by Gowan. Based on recent sales growth over the past 5 years, Phillips McDougall has cited Gowan Company as one of the fastest growing agrochemical companies in the world. Gowan employees are proud to be a part of this family-owned tribe, working together towards a common goal. Weekly “happy half hour” celebrations on Friday, monthly company luncheons, profit-sharing bonuses, excellent benefits, and many other perks make Gowan a truly great place to work.
