Area Sales Manager

Livestock Nutrition Center - Keota, IA

Full-time - Manager

Keota, IA

Food Manufacturing

About the position

The Area Sales Manager will manage, develop, and drive sales teams toward reaching company goals. The individual in this position will be responsible for sales teams reaching and exceeding yearly sales goals by location, while increasing individual proficiency of direct reports. The Area Sales Manager will communicate with the General Manager and Sales Management Team on business environment and needs, monitor competition, and enhance customer satisfaction & retention while increasing employee engagement, retention, and job satisfaction. This role will continue to engage and focus on consultative sales, including maintaining current business, growing new business, and generating revenue in your area.

Responsibilities

• Ensure sales team(s) reach and exceed yearly sales goals by location.
• Display excellent sales and leadership capabilities.
• Lead sales team to increase business growth by creatively strengthening relationships with our customer base, maximizing sales, increasing market share, seizing new opportunities, generating revenue, and increasing customer & employee satisfaction.
• Lead assigned sales team(s) to achieve company goals including, but not limited to, customer and volume retention, tonnage targets, and net profitability objectives.
• Help design and implement strategic sales plans that expand LNC's customer base and ensure its strong presence.
• Identify and inform teams of shifts in the market and in competition status as they apply to feed manufacturing, cattle/beef markets, and the agriculture industry.
• Ensure that direct reports always remain engaged in their work toward achieving LNC's collective goals.
• Manage, develop, and drive sales team toward reaching company goals, utilizing input from Location Managers and Nutritionists.
• Develop and execute plan for objectives setting, mentoring & coaching, and performance monitoring of sales team.
• Motivate the sales team. Create and sustain an atmosphere of healthy competition.
• Provide the sales team with constructive feedback and assist individuals to solve customers' problems.
• Ensure that sales teams maintain positive customer relations and are an information resource to all producers.
• Conduct quarterly and annual performance review for each direct report. Make recommendations to upper management team regarding position advancement.
• Mentor and motivate the sales team to utilize Salesforce CRM and CPQ programs to keep accurate records of all sales activities, track potential opportunities, and manage the sales pipeline.
• Monitor and approve all sales pre and post travel and customer visits.
• Build unity between locations with respect to LNC's sales/support philosophy and communication/processes.
• Remain aware of company and location personnel needs. Take initiative in driving conversation around location personnel needs with General Manager, Recruiting Specialist, and Location Managers.
• Monitor and report market competition details along with business obstacles and/or needs.
• Present sales and realistic forecasts to the upper management team.
• Assist General Manager, Regional Operations Manager, and Location Manager in developing annual goals by location.
• In coordination with Nutritionists, develop protocol for approval of all ration formulation by location.
• Monitor and approve all price exceptions for blends and products.
• Work with Location Managers and Sales Team to resolve all Accounts Receivables issues.
• Always bring solutions to problems.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Animal Science or related field.
• A minimum of 4 years industry experience following the completion of an undergraduate degree.
• An understanding of Agricultural Business and customer & market dynamics through experience and education.
• A willingness to travel and work within a team environment.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, and to move and handle boxes, which may entail lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Maintain a mobile smart phone service with access to email and voice/data for company business.
• The ability to publicly communicate accurately and effectively.
• Ability to engage people at all levels to solve problems effectively.
• Computer skills necessary to complete the job including proficiency using Microsoft office suites.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees.