General Summary

Performs on-farm sales consultations with current and prospective customers to drive retail sales orders of feed, seed, fertilizer, crop protectants, farm supplies, petroleum, and all related services. Sales area may cover several counties and include one or more retail locations. Relies on knowledge of farming best practices, livestock, crops production, and SSC products and services, as well as interpersonal skills to develop strong customer relationships. 

Essential Job Functions -- complexity of essential job functions increases with grade level

Performs independent on-site sales consultations of current and prospective customers. Sales area may cover several counties and include one or more retail locations. Coordinate sales calls and travel schedule to optimize customer engagement, facilitate efficient service, and achieve sales and performance targets.  Utilize interpersonal skills to foster positive, long-term business relationships with current and prospective customers. Provide technical assistance and information regarding farm management and production best practices. Assist with identification of issues related to weeds, pests, and crops. Recommend products and services that best support the customer's operational needs.  Partner with retail store management team and General Manager to implement account strategies. Coordinate sales efforts, create prospect lists, provide market intelligence, and arrange product delivery schedules. Support sales initiatives for commodities sold through the retail store(s).  Coordinate resources needed to address customer inquiries. Communicate with Product Specialists, Buyers, Agronomists, Vendors, division and corporate management staff to resolve questions and concerns. Maintain strong relationships with state land grant universities and local county extension personnel.  Utilize the CRM Tool to maintain accurate customer records, prospect lists, and report weekly sales calls to both customers and prospects. Transmit weekly fieldwork reports and weekly expense voucher to appropriate manager.  Promote the use of John Deere Financial, GrowMaster, FeedMaster other programs as sales tools for growing Market Share.  Promote the SSC brand and business philosophy in a positive and customer-focused manner throughout the local community and sales region. Plan and coordinate commodity and grower meetings with current and prospective customers. Participate in local community meetings (grower meetings, USDA, and Extension meetings) and maintain active membership on county extension boards or Ag related councils.  Represent SSC in a positive manner by demonstrating professionalism at all times in communication and appearance. Wear approved SSC uniform/attire and operate a neat and well-maintained vehicle.  Maintain awareness of industry trends, developments, regulations, and updates to SSC products and services. Seek continuous development of sales effectiveness and account management skills including use of Carew Sales Methodology. Utilize a variety of resources to meet development planning and continuing education requirements, including: professional organizations, seminars (i.e. Crops Certification), conferences, training courses, self-study, and on-line tools.  Perform work safely as to not cause harm to yourself, customers, co-workers, equipment, or inventory. Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. Operate all equipment according to SSC policy and government regulations. Comply with OSHA regulations, Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, work rules and policies.  Perform all other job functions as assigned.