Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc.(TKI), is a company of diverse businesses unified by shared values and vision. We serve the agriculture, mining, industrial and water reclamation markets with a broad range of products and technologies, worldwide. Serving these customers well is a passion and a commitment-one which the people of TKI find rewarding, empowering and meaningful.

The Crop Vitality group was formed in 2012 to distinguish TKI’s presence in agribusiness as we create solutions to meet the challenges of modern agriculture. The Crop Vitality team is comprised of over 300 employees, dedicated to providing solutions to achieve nutrient rich crops through research and innovation.

If you want the work you do to make a positive impact on the world in which we live, working alongside innovative, quality-focused people of vision, then TKI is the right place for you.

Role Description:

Reporting directly to the Regional Sales Manager- You will serve as the TKI Crop Vitality Sales Specialist and be the main point of contact to distributors and retailers in the Great Lakes region. You will represent the company enthusiastically and establish relationships with new distributors & retailers as well as maintain and manage the existing book of business.

Please note: This position is a remote role supporting the Great Lakes region, and can be flexible on location (within the region, assuming it meets business demands).

Key Accountabilities:

•        Align with and personify the company’s purpose statement and value proposition.

•        Research and identify sales opportunities for TKI Crop Vitality products within the assigned region.

•        Develop clear and effective written proposals or quotes for current and prospective customers.

•        Develop quarterly and annual sales forecasts focused on crops grown in the assigned region.

•        Supply management with oral and written reports about customers’ needs, problems, interests and offers from competitor’s pertinent market intel.

•        Provide sales support and agronomic insights to existing dealers in the territory.

•        Schedule, organize and execute TKI Crop Vitality product presentations to distributors, retailers and growers.

•        Resolve customer complaints by investigating problems, developing solutions and providing follow-up service.

•        Be involved with relevant industry organizations and trade associations, and attend industry events, as appropriate.

•        Keep abreast of changes in product application, relevant technology, market conditions and industry news.

•        Monitor and report competitors’ activities within the specified region of responsibility.

Key Knowledge Skills and Behaviors:

•        Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant nutrition or other life sciences and/or a combination of education and experience is required.

•        Possess or willing to obtain a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) license.

•        At least, 3 to 5 years of field experience in plant nutrition, soil science or other agricultural related science – technical understanding of plant nutrition is essential.

•        Experience in contract negotiation and demonstrated success in an agricultural product sales role.

•        Demonstrate the ability to problem-solve and determine solutions for customers.

•        Excellent presentation skills with the ability to speak knowledgeably while presenting product information to both small and large groups.  Bilingual in Spanish is beneficial but not required.

•        A working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

•        Ability to work within budget, expenses and time constraints.

•        Maintain a professional appearance, including wearing TKI Crop Vitality apparel while representing the company on sales calls, conferences or business events.

•        Self-motivated with strong written and oral communication skills.

•        Ability to travel as business dictates.

Key Relations

•        TKI Crop Vitality BU Directors, Agronomists and manufacturing plants.

•        Nurture relationships with existing customers and new accounts.

•        Identify new sales opportunities and manage these relationships as well.

Key Metrics Areas

•        Maintain & increase existing sales.

•        Maintain customer loyalty & retention.

•        Work within predetermined expense budgets.

•        Promote the Crop Vitality brand & the Crop Vitality value proposition.

Why join TKI:

• Work/life balance
• Fun and rewarding environment
• Learning, development and team work
• Community involvement/outreach
• Challenging and meaningful work

Benefits & Rewards:

• Medical-Dental-Vision-Prescription (low employee premiums!)
• 401k Plan with dollar for dollar matching, up to the first 5% of employee contribution
• 401k Company Retirement Contribution at year-end, equal up to 4% of annual base salary
• Short-Term Incentive awards based on measured performance criteria
• Life Insurance – 2x Annual Base Salary
• Paid vacation & sick time & 10 paid holidays per year
• Tuition Reimbursement- up to $5,000 per calendar year- Non Taxable
• Adoption Assistance-up to $7,500 in reimbursement assistance
• Business Travel Life & Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Telemedicine program - for you and your dependents
• Long-Term Disability insurance
• Company referral program