Inside Ag Sales Representative

Essential Functions of the Job:

The inside sales rep will work to establish a consultative approach with their selected farm customers. It is utilizing this approach that the individual will provide CO-OP’s customers with the greatest value and also maintain selling margins.

Proactively seeks to become involved in the business decision making process of targeted customers. Works closely with the Agro Centre Management Team to determine potential commitments that can be made to customers.

Customer information will be maintained in a customer management database. Essential information includes: planned customer calls, notes on sales calls, pricing information provided to customers, contact information and general farm information.

The inside sales rep will work with customers utilizing effective sales techniques, focusing on effective questioning and listening skills. Unique customer solutions will be provided by establishing needs of each producer utilizing sales skills.

Maintaining sales margins will be accomplished by establishing the CO-OP’s value on each customer’s farm. Margins may vary for customers reflecting the current value proposition on each operation.

Provides timely service, agronomic information and advice to current and potential customers. Arranges for access to specialist where necessary to bring mutual benefit to the customer and organization.

Keeps informed of competitor activities within the geographical area.

Co-ordinates the movement of farm supplies and related administrative requirements in conjunction with customers and staff, in order to ensure that contractual obligations are met.

Reviews customer accounts to ensure that payments are within approved credit policy and performs collection functions as required.

Participates in market area promotional activities.

The inside sales rep primary owner of maintaining a good customer relationship and ensuring that we strive for customer service excellence. They will work closely with the Agro Centre Team to ensure that excellence in customer service is achieved with each account. They will also provide excellent customer service for outside sales rep customers who come into the store if their sales rep is not present.

Participates in ag related training on an annual basis in order to stay informed regarding trends, marketing strategies, new product development and technical knowledge. (e.g. FCL Agronomy conference, Ag Tech).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):

Ability to persuade and influence others. Knowledge of Sales promotion techniques.

Skilled and proficient with the use of personal computers; including mainstream office software (i.e. Microsoft Excel, Word, etc.)

Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to a problem.

Ability to build and foster effective business relationships with customers and team members.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to formulate and deliver ideas and material in a clear and concise manner.

Ability to work occasional weekend, evening and/or overnight travel.

Ability to complete a significant amount of local travel to current and potential clients. This requires the possession of a valid class 5 driver’s license.

Education and Experience:

Grade 12 or recognized equivalent, supplemented with successful completion of Certificate in Agriculture, Agri-Business Certificate or equivalent post-secondary education. CCA Preferred.

Designation as a Professional Agronomist would be considered an asset.

Must possess a valid class 5 driver’s license.

Our employees receive competitive salaries, a profit-sharing program, EFAP program, employee discount program, a comprehensive benefits package, ongoing learning opportunities, and an employer-contributed pension plan. We encourage our Team Members to take advantage of learning opportunities, to grow and develop and to foster a culture of teamwork and innovation.

At Co-op, we embrace diversity and inclusion, and we’re working to create a workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We support and provide an environment that allows all to bring their whole selves to work.