GROWMARK

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

TITLE: Vice President, Sales & Marketing

GENERAL SUMMARY

Provide the leadership, strategic vision, and direction necessary to drive demand-creation for products of Southern States Cooperative. This includes establishing and executing a company-wide sales and marketing strategy, while guiding sales performance throughout the organization, with a heavy focus on Agronomy. Oversee development and execution of specific sales and commission plans to achieve and surpass profitable sales growth across organizational footprint. Additionally, the VP of Sales & Marketing will be responsible for establishing annual sales goals, designating objectives of our sales and marketing teams, developing growth and market expansion plans, setting KPIs, and prospecting partnership opportunities within and across industries

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work in a safe and efficient manner, according to Southern States Safety Policy.
• Work with Regional Managers and COR Product Line Leaders to build and implement tactical action plans from a product and service marketing perspective to support strategic imperatives.
• Training the sales organization how to actively listen to our customers, uncover needs, and develop a sustainably profitable go-to-market strategy.
• Demonstrate work habits that develop, build, and support the one team concept within the organization.
• Develops effective sales incentive and commission programs supporting organizational growth-oriented goals.
• Provides input and leadership in the development and implementation of sales incentive compensation programs.
• Regularly conducts direct market analysis of local competition to ensure competitive advantage
• Lead strategic direction for the Agronomy Business including the functional areas of Crop Protection, Fertilizer, Seed and Precision Ag Technology Services and sales ensuring that products and services are offered in the marketplace at a competitive value to our customers.
• Manages high leaders within the organization to maximum performance. Develops and challenges high potential employees to ensure continual learning and development of direct reports.
• Maintain key customer relationships and develop and implement strategies for expanding the company’s customer base.
• Defines new or emerging market requirements and needs that will drive product changes and new product development.
• Oversee product marketing including product launch management, sales tools, competitive analysis and general sales support.
• Manage overall sales process, set appropriate metrics for sales management
• Develop pricing policies and strategies, including volume discounts and terms and conditions, for highprofile customers and channel partners.
• Supports and encourages cross-divisional collaboration in all areas of the company. General knowledge of the Energy and Feed & Farm Supply retail business a plus.
• Participate in the development and maintain the operating budget for locations. Provide for achievement of optimum profitability levels as established by the budget.
• Provides leadership to the Marketing Team Leader/Director in the development and implementation of short and long-term marketing plans regarding company products, services and the overall Southern
• States brand.
• Challenge organizational design to deliver value to our customers and organization.
• Assume active leadership role in strategic planning process.
• Provide guidance, direction, and communication in the development of strategy to maximize plant equipment, and employee resources.
• Assist Leadership Team members as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelors (BA) degree in business administration or a related field with a preference for a postgraduate degree. An appropriate combination of an education and related experience will be considered.

EXPERIENCE

• A deep understanding of the agricultural supply industry (crop inputs, plant nutrition, food ingredients, etc.)
• Proven track record of leading effective marketing and sales strategies.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and staff to create a results-driven, team oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage often outsourced marketing activities (PR, corporate marketing, social media, website, etc.).
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting and analysis skills in sales, marketing and competitor analysis.
• Excellent presentation skills and experience working with business and industry press.
• Possess a strong implementation skillset with a process mindset

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinker who understands the importance of a clear vision, a focused mission and measurable outcomes
• Passion and sense of urgency for growth and achievement
• Proven ability to create strategy and balance agility and determination to execute
• Solid management skills and the ability to recruit a top-tier team
• Inclusive and consultative style balanced with the ability to make tough decisions and stand firm when appropriate
• Consensus builder with a track record of success in forging alliances with stakeholders
• Strong leader with the extraordinary ability to lead change, communicate, challenge and inspire a team to success

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Deep technical expertise in sales planning, sales management and sales execution processes
• Knowledge of strategy, budgeting and tactical planning practices
• Knowledge of team leadership, management and change management practices

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The VP of Sales & Marketing primarily performs essential job functions in an office environment.
• While traveling may have contact with hazardous materials.
• Drive/travel and work in adverse weather conditions.
• May require a valid driver’s license.
• Regular travel will be required within the Southern States market and occasionally elsewhere within the United States.

OUR VALUES

• Southern States has established six core values: ONE TEAM, CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, SUSTAINABLE GROWTH, OPEN COMMUNICATION, ACOUNTABILITY, and INTEGRITY - leading with passion, focus and innovation to achieve greater results.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

• Utilize telephone, computer, copier, printer, calculator, writing instrument, spreadsheets and forms.

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification.

FS. Bringing You What's Next. We are an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.