About the position
Ball Horticultural Company is a leading breeder and distributor of flowers and vegetables around the globe, located in West Chicago, IL. The company operates on a 60-acre property that features 10 acres of display gardens, primarily used as a sales and marketing tool, while also providing a relaxing environment for staff. The gardens showcase a variety of plants including perennials, annuals, vegetables, roses, and shrubs, which bloom from May through September. In the role of Technical Sales Manager for Perennials, you will be responsible for driving profitable growth in the perennial product line. This involves advising growers and the sales team on the best products and suppliers to create impactful programs. Your strategic influence will be crucial in helping Ball Seed gain market share in the North American perennial category. Your responsibilities will include training sales representatives to understand customer values in the category, driving sales growth in various forms of perennials, consulting with the leadership team on resource allocation, and participating in customer and industry events. You will also advise the technical team on troubleshooting and resource development, maintain awareness of market trends, and assist in the development of target account and retail programs.
Responsibilities
- Train Sales Representatives in existing territories to understand what customers value in the category and how our solutions offer value and differentiation.
- Drive sales growth in unrooted cuttings, liners, seed, plugs, and bare root perennials to increase market share of inputs to North American growers of all product forms.
- Drive perennial sales to designated target accounts to increase market share.
- Consult with Ball Seed Leadership Team on strategy to assist in allocation of resources needed to drive growth, to maintain alignment on overall direction.
- Actively participate in planning and execution of customer and industry events to make effective use of marketing and promotional efforts.
- Advise BHC Tech Team on troubleshooting and assist in developing sharable resources.
- Participate in development of target account and retail program development.
- Maintain awareness of market trends and opportunities.
Requirements
- Must have hands-on growing experience of tropicals and proven ability to influence others.
- Minimum of 5 years of sales or technical support to growers.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in Horticulture or related field.
- Technical knowledge of culture for tropicals and foliage crop required.
- Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer-centric solutions.
- Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
- Must be able to travel 50% of the time.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
- 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
- Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
- Tuition assistance
- Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs
- An onsite subsidized café overlooking renowned display gardens and restored natural areas
