Do you have a passion for seed corn genetics? Are you a motivated project manager who can develop and maintain relationships with member companies, seed sales specialists, genetic suppliers, brokers, researchers, and managers? If so, GROWMARK is looking for you to join our team in our Bloomington, IL office. You will have the opportunity to manage the corn product line, create and coordinate a hybrid evaluation program and manage multiple ongoing projects. GROWMARK will rely on YOU as our Seed Corn Product expert to determine needs for products and services, aquire competitive genetics, and develop annual supply plans and recommendations.

GROWMARK, Inc. is a dynamic and financially strong U.S. agribusiness, large enough to offer solid career opportunities, but small enough to provide a family-oriented, welcoming environment and great benefits. GROWMARK was ranked seventh on the NCB Co-op 100 listing of the nation’s 100 highest revenue-earning cooperative businesses. GROWMARK, Inc. is a regional cooperative with annual sales of $6.1 billion (FY2009 data) providing FS agriculture-related products and services and grain marketing in the Midwest, the Northeast and Ontario, Canada.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Working in conjunction with the Senior Seed Research and Product Manager, determines member cooperative needs for products and services in the corn product line and coordinates product testing and advancement to commercial sales status.
• Develops and maintains relationships with genetic suppliers in order to identify and access the best genetics at favorable costs and terms.
• Develops and coordinates a hybrid demonstration/evaluation program, including
  (1) small plot research trials,
  (2) 3rd party trials ie; F.I.R.S.T. and University and
  (3) in conjunction with the Field Sales Agronomists, FSAT / FSPT strip trial plots.
  As needed, coordinates also with Agronomic Services, Crop Protection and Plant Food regarding additional demonstration or testing needs. In conjunction with the Seed Marketing and Communication Manager, assists in the dissemination of data to field staffs and member cooperative personnel.
• Develops and recommends, in conjunction with the Senior Seed Research and Product Manager and the Product and Quality Assurance Specialist, annual product supply plans and controls product inventories at a level that maximizes both sales growth and profitability.
• Determines, in conjunction with the Senior Seed Research and Product Manager, package size, type design, labeling and quality standards for corn and collaborates with the Product and Quality Assurance Specialist and Manager Quality Assurance to ensure that standards are met.
• Develops, in conjunction with the Seed Marketing and Communications Manager, product information and training materials for use by field staffs and member cooperative sales personnel.
• Works with researchers, genetic suppliers, and grain processors to provide specialty products for value enhanced opportunities including Processor Preferred, food grade, and FS Dairy Select. In conjunction with the Field Sales Agronomists and the Seed Marketing and Communication Manager, coordinates the acquisition of samples and data from FSAT / FSPT plots needed to support efforts in these specialty markets.
• Works with brokers and seed companies in the purchasing and selling of seed corn in order to effectively manage seed corn inventories and supply.
• Tracks seed industry trends in products and services and councils with field staffs and member cooperative personnel on proper positioning of products in the marketplace.
• Serves as a technical resource for assigned product line supporting field staffs and member cooperative personnel.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Normally requires an MS degree in Agronomy or related field with at least five to seven years’ experience in the technical phases of seed.
• Must have ability to communicate clearly and have proven effective written and oral presentation skills.
• Must have good planning skills and the ability to assimilate and evaluate complex sets of technical data.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to use computer spreadsheet and database software.
• Must be able to tolerate working hours beyond those usually considered “normal”.
• Must be able to travel independently by automobile and airplane, evaluate products in a growing environment, and be able to stay overnight as needed without assistance. Travel also to include participation in meetings, field tours, and training of field staffs and member cooperative personnel as needed.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• A valid passport for out-of-the-country travel is required.

To apply for the Seed Corn Product Manager position, click on this link and you will be directed to our website where you can view this position and all of our current opportunities, attach or create a resume, and submit your resume/cover letter for consideration.