Ag Solutions Sales Advisor at Northern Partners Cooperative

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: 

1. 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%)
2. 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%)
3. 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%) 
4. 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. Communicate findings to producers and advise on agronomic practices, application timing, and other solutions to optimize yield and quality. Coordinate and participate in field trials and product demonstrations to highlight the performance and value of seed varieties and related products. Collect, analyze, and interpret trial data to provide customers with evidence-based recommendations that support informed decision-making. Mentor and train Interns, sharing practical knowledge on crop production, field management, and cooperative sales practices. (10%)
5. Marketing Analysis: Collaborate with management and team members to set annual sales and gross margin objectives that align with cooperative goals. When engaging with customers, provide well-informed recommendations designed to enhance their profitability, encourage repeat business, and minimize product-related issues. Monitor and analyze market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments to identify opportunities and anticipate challenges. Gather and communicate market intelligence to support product development and marketing initiatives. Establish clear sales targets and performance metrics, tracking progress regularly to evaluate individual and team results. Prepare and present comprehensive sales reports to senior leadership, outlining key performance indicators, sales trends, forecasts, and actionable insights. Conduct performance analyses to pinpoint areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to drive results. (10%)
6. Other: Contributes to additional company and team efforts, projects and initiatives as needed. Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Experience & Education:

• Required – High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred – Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License – Must have a current, unrestricted driver’s license and a clean driving record, as regular travel within the territory is required.
• Pesticide Applicator License – State-specific license for applying crop protection products.
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) – Demonstrates agronomic expertise and credibility with customers.
• Other relevant agricultural certifications – Any certifications related to seed, crop nutrition, or precision agriculture technologies.
• Commercial Driver’s License - Class A CDL with HAZMAT, tanker, and airbrake endorsements required.
• Minimum Experience: 
  • 1–3 years of sales, customer service, or agricultural-related experience — preferably involving seed, crop inputs, or other farm supply products. 
  • Basic understanding of crop production practices and the ability to learn cooperative products and services quickly.
• Preferred Experience: 
  • 3–5 years of progressive sales or account management experience in agriculture, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals.
  • Hands-on experience with seed selection, crop protection recommendations, plant nutrition, and/or precision agriculture technologies.
  • Experience conducting field trials, customer training, and product demonstrations.
  • Familiarity with CRM software and agricultural business systems.

Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of agricultural products, including seed, crop protection, plant nutrition, and related cooperative offerings.
• Understanding of crop production practices, pest and nutrient management, and agronomic principles.
• Familiarity with sales and marketing principles, customer relationship management, and territory management.
• Awareness of industry trends, competitor products, and market dynamics.
• Knowledge of safe handling practices for agricultural products.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers, colleagues, and management.
• Strong sales and negotiation skills, including the ability to identify opportunities and close sales effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM or sales tracking systems.
• Time management and organizational skills to manage a large customer territory efficiently.
• Problem-solving skills to provide practical solutions to customer challenges.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong customer relationships and build trust with stakeholders.
• Ability to travel regularly within the assigned territory and conduct on-site visits in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Ability to analyze field and trial data and translate findings into actionable recommendations for customers.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams.
• Ability to provide coaching or training to team members or interns when required.

Environmental Conditions & Physical Demands - Considerable physical exertion

Occasionally exposed or required to:

• Work is primarily performed in both office and outdoor agricultural field settings.
• Must be able to travel frequently within assigned territories, including driving personal or company vehicles. May involve navigating rural or agricultural terrain.
• Work may occur outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain. May encounter dust, pollen, or other agricultural elements.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while driving or using a computer, and stand or walk during customer visits, field demonstrations, and operational activities.
• Occasional exposure to dust, pollen, crop chemicals, noisy conditions and other agricultural products; proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and required when applicable.
• Interaction with farm equipment and machinery under standard safety protocols.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items up to 25–50 pounds occasionally, such as product samples, training materials, or equipment.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and twist frequently when handling products, inspecting fields or equipment, and performing operational tasks.
• Must be able to walk across fields, climb ladders or steps when inspecting equipment or facilities, and perform physical activities associated with product demonstrations or operational support.
• Ability to operate computers, mobile devices, and office equipment accurately. Ability to handle product packaging and operate basic field tools when necessary.
• Ability to read labels, reports, and product specifications; recognize field conditions and equipment indicators. Must be able to hear and communicate effectively with customers, team members, and vendors.
• Must adhere to all safety, health, environmental, and quality protocols. Required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary and follow safe handling procedures for agricultural chemicals and fuel products.
• Ability to distinguish, with a degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in intensity or quality odors, or recognizing particular odors, using nose.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekend, holidays and/or alternate shifts as needed.
• Uses near, far, and peripheral vision and depth perception for task(s) being performed.

Benefits:  

• 3 Health Insurance plan options with prescription benefits
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 2 Dental Plan options (base plan at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
• Vision Plan (at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
• Company Paid Group Life & AD&D
• Supplemental Life & AD&D (employee & dependents)
• Company paid Short-Term Disability
• Supplemental Short-Term/Long Term Disability
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
• Defined Benefit Co-op Retirement Pension Plan 
• $250.00 yearly Clothing Reimbursement allowance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – Vacation, Personal Days, and Sick time
• 9.5 paid Holidays
• Additional benefits – paid bereavement, paid jury duty, Family Medical Leave (FMLA), paid maternity/paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer day, wellness program, profit sharing, employee assistance program, company paid learning courses, LifeMart discount program, plus so much more!

 About the Company:

As a homegrown, locally owned full-service cooperative, Northern Partners Cooperative has been rooted in the community from the very beginning. Our goal is to continually work to grow customer value and cooperative strength within the community we all share. Located in Northern Illinois, we have 10 locations throughout La Salle and Bureau County offering products, services, and expertise that focus grain, agronomy, energy, and seed.  

Northern Partners Cooperative offers opportunities for passionate individuals looking to unlock a greater value for the future of agriculture and our communities. We know that a business or farming operation requires hard work and dedication and that's why we take pride in having knowledgeable, hardworking team members that are dedicated to being our most valued partner; helping us to reach new levels of success. 

Northern Partners Cooperative’s Core Values:

•               Honesty and integrity in all our relationships

•               Focus on our people and their ability to contribute to the success of NPC

•               Foster a culture where innovative solutions thrive

•               Commitment to safety, quality, and service to our employees and member owners

•               Commitment to our communities

 Additional Information:

Northern Partners Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law. All information provided will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Your application must reflect that you possess the required qualifications for the position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, physical and environmental demands but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

No agencies or 3rd party vendors.