Ag Solutions Sales Advisor

Location: Malden

Rooted in Agriculture, Growing with You - Join Our Team in Malden, IL!

Northern Partners Cooperative is looking for a motivated and customer-focused Ag Solutions Sales Advisor to join our team at the Malden, IL Agronomy Facility. This position is key to building strong relationships with area growers by providing agronomic solutions, crop input recommendations, and exceptional service that supports farm success throughout the growing season and beyond.

If you're passionate about agriculture, sales, and helping producers achieve their goals, we want to hear from you!

Position Overview:

The Ag Solutions Sales Advisor is responsible for developing and maintaining strong customer relationships while promoting the full range of products and services offered by Northern Partners Cooperative. This includes agronomy products such as seed, crop protection, and plant nutrition, as well as value-added solutions from other cooperative departments, including fuel, propane, and lubricants. The Advisor works closely with customers to understand their operational goals, provide tailored recommendations, and ensure they have access to the right products, services, and expertise to achieve success.

By combining product knowledge, market insight, and a customer-first approach, the Ag Solutions Sales Advisor drives profitable growth, strengthens customer loyalty, and supports the cooperative's mission of delivering dependable, innovative solutions to its members.

Essential Functions:

Sales Expertise: Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy that encompasses seed products, crop protection, plant nutrition, precision agriculture technologies, and value-added solutions from other cooperative departments (e.g., fuel, propane, lubricants). Proactively analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs to identify growth opportunities and expand market share. Maintain in-depth knowledge of Northern Partners Cooperative's products, services, and marketing approach, as well as current advancements in seed technology, crop genetics, agronomic practices, and precision ag tools.

Regularly conduct sales calls and on-site visits with target customers throughout the trade area to strengthen relationships, promote the cooperative, and generate new business. Collaborate with internal teams to develop competitive marketing strategies and identify opportunities for cross-selling. Where applicable, provide training and product knowledge support to team members, ensuring a consistent and informed approach to customer engagement. (30%)

Customer Relationship Management & Service: Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with customers, partners, and key stakeholders by providing attentive, personalized service. Proactively identify and cultivate new business opportunities while strengthening ties with existing customers through regular on-site visits, open communication, and responsive support. Collaborate with customers to understand their operational needs and recommend tailored solutions from Northern Partners Cooperative's full range of products and services.

Deliver technical expertise and guidance on optimal product use, agronomic practices, and safe handling procedures. Conduct customer training sessions on product features, benefits, and best practices. Ensure accurate and efficient processing of orders, coordinate timely delivery, and work closely with internal teams to maintain exceptional customer satisfaction. Promote a positive and professional culture with both customers and colleagues, always greeting patrons courteously, expressing appreciation for their business, and upholding the cooperative's safety, health, environmental, and quality standards by reporting concerns promptly.

(30%)

Team Collaboration & Operational Support: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including location managers, operations staff, and internal departments, to align sales strategies with marketing initiatives, product development, and overall cooperative objectives. Provide coaching, guidance, and support to team members to help them achieve or exceed sales goals while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Serve as a flexible resource by stepping into operational or field roles as needed to ensure work is completed efficiently and customer expectations are met.

Monitor and communicate ordering needs in a timely manner to optimize pricing, inventory, and delivery schedules for customers. Review and discuss sales activity reports with the Department Director to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement. Maintain open communication across teams to ensure a cohesive approach to customer satisfaction, product performance, and operational efficiency. (15%)

Prevention: Conduct regular field scouting to monitor crop growth, identify potential pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, and other production challenges, and develop timely, effective management recommendations.…