Crop Nutrients Supply & Merchandising Director - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

See what it's like to work at GROWMARK:https://youtu.be/CSVMnKCySsY

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Responsible for the overall management of plant food procurement, management of supply and product positions, pricing, and price risk.

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHP

Supervises, leads, and develops the Senior Manager, Supply and Merchandising, Phosphate/Potash; Product Manager, Potash; Product Manager, Urea/AMS; Product Manager, UAN; and Product Manager, NH3.

Develops Product Managers to capture profitable opportunities that align appropriately with customer and corporate goals and to reach high competence levels in their respective product markets.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Leads GROWMARK's ownership position of plant food products, utilizing authorized tools and maintaining compliance with Board approved and Crop Nutrients Division Manager subscribed risk management policies.

Creates a winning and unified team by communicating and collaborating effectively with Division staff, Region staff, and Corporate support groups.

Establishes marketing and supply programs that fit the objectives of the GROWMARK System.

Establishes pricing for crop nutrients products to maximize return on investment. Reviews existing industry pricing practices and procedures. Develops pricing practices and procedures that meet the objectives of the organization.

Leads the negotiation of vendor incentive and growth programs to foster growth and supplement the profitability of the division.

Develops strategies to increase market penetration in all target markets. Assists in developing both long- and short-term marketing goals and objectives.

Regularly provides market intelligence and publishes purchase recommendations for key crop nutrient product groups to customers and Crop Nutrients Division staff.

Prepares annual and long-term sales and gross margin budgets and projections for plant food products.

Establishes industry relationships to influence plant food suppliers to meet the needs of the GROWMARK System, minimize product costs, and maximize division earnings.

Establishes year-round Supply and Merchandising/Product manager customer service protocols that effectively support agronomy sales and business operations teams.

Establishes a system of communication and coordination that keeps management and other affected areas informed of activities, plans, and movement and/or supply of products.

Participates in the development and implementation of Agronomy Division objectives, goals and operating policies including the development of customer-facing enterprise-wide digital tools.

Regularly reviews and updates Crop Nutrient General Terms and Conditions of Sales to keep all aspects relevant to current business, market competitive, and accurate to minimize transaction risk to the organization.

Develops and maintains industry relationships. Represents GROWMARK Agronomy at industry conventions.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Communicates and collaborates effectively with the Crop Nutrients Division Manager.

Follows GROWMARK's Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.

Responsible for encouraging, supporting, and promoting innovative practices, ideas, and technologies within the team.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires a bachelor's degree in agronomy, ag economics, ag business, or other business-related field or equivalent, plus at least 9 years of related experience to demonstrate the ability to provide plant food leadership to the GROWMARK System.

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and promoting skill development.

Prefer experience supervising and leading team of professionals to meet (or exceed) team goals.

Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.

Must have the ability to travel independently and overnight when necessary.

A valid passport for out-of-the-country travel is required.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK's policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

At GROWMARK, we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

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, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.