Agronomy Business Manager - Ag View FS - Princeton, 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.FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

AGRONOMY BUSINESS MANAGER

JOB DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under the direction of the General Manager/CEO, this position is responsible for providing strategic leadership, vision, and oversight to the Ag View Agronomy business. Has direct responsibility to ensure the financial health, profitable growth, and sound business plan execution for the agronomy portfolio of product lines. Specifically Crop Protection and Seed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for leading the agronomy team in developing, formulating and administering the agronomy business strategic plans and long-term vision, including strategies, policies and tactics required to reach short-and long-term objectives.

Responsible for the development of agronomy business strategies, their execution, and the evaluation of business operations to ensure overall alignment amongst people, facilities, and assets. Makes recommendations to the GM/CEO to ensure sales and financial needs are met and resources are allocated in the most efficient manner.

Responsible for managing the agronomy division's human capital, by establishing programs and support systems for the recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation, retention, and succession planning for all employees within the agronomy division.

Manages the agronomy business with an emphasis on implementing initiatives to increase profits through sales performance and productivity improvements. Develops internal reporting and metrics to measure and calibrate the divisions performance against goals and objectives.

Responsible for assessing the agronomy merchandising strengths and weaknesses and developing programs which will improve merchandising performance. Specifically, as it relates to our crop protection and seed offerings. A unique and key skill will be understanding and identifying SKU opportunity, private label opportunity, branding opportunities, unique service opportunities; Leveraging those positions, achieving alignment throughout the sales team to deliver on that year's business strategy.

Adopts and demonstrates the execution of a multi-product mentality.

Utilizes the latest technology options for internal use as well as sets the agronomy precision and technology roadmap for use short term and long term with our customers.

Supports in the development and administration of annual operating and capital budgets. Also responsible for developing recommendations for and securing necessary approval for annual budgets, fixed asset purchases and leases, contractual obligations, and other matters or transactions.

Responsible for developing, reviewing and assessing the long and short-term financial needs of the agronomy division. Responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate reporting amongst the agronomy division team to ensure up to date and realistic information sharing is occurring in as close to real time as possible.

Responsible for the procurement, and with the support of operations, inventory, supply, and process controls of our agronomy product lines.

Responsible for compliance with all company policies and regulatory agencies.

Responsible for timely and accurate reporting of all sales, financial, personnel, and marketing issues and activities to the GM/CEO.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for a professional image among patrons, employees, and owners.

Oversees the implementation of sales training and education programs for all agronomy sales employees.

Adheres to company ethics, policies, procedures, and compliance with safety and operational standards.

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires a bachelor's degree in business or related field and 8 or more years' experience in a senior level leadership and management capacity.

Demonstrated knowledge of agronomy sales, marketing, operations, and finance.

Understanding and experience with management-related areas including strategic thinking, leadership and decision-making; financial performance; organizational analysis and structure, managing change, motivation, policies and procedures, and compliance.

Demonstrated ability to develop and strengthen partnerships, assess business opportunities, and negotiate appropriate agreements with others inside and outside of the organization. Specifically, as it relates to crop protection, seed, and technology.

Proven management and leadership skills including sales, staffing, orientation, coaching, performance evaluations, training, and development, etc. and the ability to achieve results through others. A proven track record of leading a successful team.

Proven professional management communication, interpersonal, persuasion, and presentation skills.

Proven organization and planning skills including imparting vision, strategic thinking and planning, and being results oriented. Demonstrated ability to remain organized across multiple business unit layers.

Demonstrated problem-solving skills including problem analysis, evaluation, and implementation of solutions.

Proven computer skills and the ability to use the computer to enhance business processes.

Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Works independently within established policies and procedures, requiring periods of moderate to high concentration and attention to detail.
• Encounters mental stress during peak seasons, budget planning, and performance management, requiring effective decision-making and problem-solving skills.

• Primarily office-based with periods of walking and outdoor activities for location meetings, sales visits, and customer interactions.
• Occasional lifting of parcels up to 50 lbs and frequent driving to various locations.

• This is an at work job, not designed for work from Home. Work involves a mix of office and outdoor environments, including exposure to dust, fumes, and varied surfaces.
• Travel on gravel roads and occasional overnight stays may be required. Additional hours may be necessary during peak operational periods.

COMPENSATION

Additional Incentives Eligible - Annual Sales Program, Company Profit Sharing, Company Vehicle

We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.