General Purpose:
Manage and lead a sales team that is responsible towards achievement of sales and profitability goals while ensuring member value. Develop relationships with vendors of choice and develop and implement geographic specific marketing and sales programs. Generate sales of products and services offered by DFA Farm Supplies (FS). Develop trusted consultative associations and "business-to-business" relationships with DFA members and other prospective customers in assigned territory. Demonstrate a strong understanding of the company's products, product lines, and/or services; of existing customers and potential customer landscape; the sales cycle; and industry trends.
The ideal candidate will live in the Mideast or Southeast part of the US, in a city with easy access to a major airport. Ideal locations are Detroit, MI, Chicago, IL, Atlanta, GA, or similar.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Monitor activities and provide direct management oversight and support of the assigned sales team to ensure performance results are achieved
Set and accomplish training and development goals for sales team
Develop consultative relationships with DFA farmer owners and manage all aspects of the consultative sales process including member/new customer education as it relates to FS products and services
Coach the sales team to "own" the performance of their accounts and act on account challenges and opportunities
Perform sales account manager responsibilities for identified "key accounts" within the region. Provide backup support to the team as needed to ensure performance results are achieved
Regularly visit farmer owner operations within the region to build a working knowledge and expertise of their operations or a specific aspect of their operations. Coordinate with other FS sales team members on sales visits
Work collaboratively with FS team members, vendor representatives, and field staff to address member needs
Document interactions with members and customers in the sales platform (Salesforce) within 24 hours
Demonstrate a strong understanding of the complete line of FS products and services
Coordinate, attend, and present at farm shows, industry trade shows, farm field days, membership meetings, and other events as necessary
Advocate for farmer owners' needs and expectations through deep relationships with DFA teams of sustainability, farm practices, and others
Coach and develop staff, conduct performance reviews, and perform human resources activities, such as hiring and pay reviews
The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required
Minimum Requirements:
Education and Experience
Undergraduate degree in business administration, animal science, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
5 to 8 years of success with direct on-farm sales or related experience (i.e., demonstrated history of meeting or exceeding sales budgets through maintaining existing business and development of new customers) with 1+ year of management experience or recognized leadership experience (project or team)
Experience using sales platforms (e.g., Salesforce)
Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong understanding of effective sales and marketing tactics to move prospect to sale
Familiarity with dairy farms and dairy farming practices
Able to effectively manage a defined territory and plan/organize multiple activities within a large geographic area
Able to work with an entrepreneurial attitude and be results-driven
Able to effectively manage a team, including prioritization, employee development, and performance management; able and willing to be hands-on as well as effectively delegate
Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
Able to view problems, opportunities, and solutions from a company-wide perspective
Able to manage and prioritize multiple various projects
Able to present to diverse audiences from front line team members to senior management
Able to elicit cooperation from variety of sources, including upper management
Able to present ideas and information in a clear, concise, organized, and diplomatic manner one-on-one and in team setting; able to listen to others to respond effectively to ideas
Able to explain and educate cooperative members about the benefits of working with DFA Farm Supplies
Able to use technology proactively as an asset to enhance work performance
Must be able to read, write and speak English
An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans
EEO/AA/Female/Minority/Disabled/Veteran
