The Lucknow District Co-operative Inc has an opening for a Agronomy Manager.

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.

Purpose and Summary

Under the direction of the General Manager, the Agronomy Manager is responsible for managing agronomy operations, purchases, sales, and marketing programs to meet volume and profitability goals for Lucknow District Co-operative Inc.

Supervision and Leadership

Leads and supervises Agronomy Sales and support staff to achieve coordinated goals and objectives, fostering business growth and developing strong professional relationships with customers. Staff reports directly to the Agronomy Manager.

Essential Job Functions

• Organize and mentors’ staff to ensure effective performance. Conducts annual reviews, sets performance goals, and provides regular feedback.
• Schedules and conduct training for staff to enhance product knowledge and usage proficiency.
• Develop inventory forecasts to prepare for seasonal needs, collaborate with vendors for pricing
• opportunities, and conduct periodic inventory counts.
• Manages margin and shrink activities, contributes to pricing strategies, sales programs, and customer incentives to meet sales budgets and improve market share.
• Prepare forecasts, pre-orders products, and optimize storage and distribution.
• Coordinates with other departments to improve company efficiency and profitability.
• Leads sales activities, ensuring alignment with company goals, and communicates targets to staff.
• Oversee the introduction of new products and organize related training and marketing initiatives.
• Recruits, selects, and retains qualified full-time and part-time staff. Manages the full recruitment cycle, including drafting job postings, screening candidates, conducting interviews, and collaborating with HR or other departments.
• Designs and implements onboarding programs to integrate new hires effectively into the organization.
• Develops and implements retention strategies, such as offering professional development opportunities, conducting stay interviews, and addressing employee feedback.
• Ensures compliance with labor laws and regulations during recruitment and employment processes.
• Represents the agronomy division at industry events and trade shows as needed.
• Ensures customer creditworthiness, provides pricing and credit terms, and prepares sales contracts. Promote credit programs as a sales tool.
• Adheres to company policies, procedures, and business ethics codes, ensuring a professional image and compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Follows Workplace Health, Safety & Environmental policies, ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and related procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Job Functions

Education and Experience

• A college diploma or university degree in agriculture, marketing, or business, with at least 5 years of sales/marketing experience in Agriculture.
• Strong knowledge of agronomy, marketing, sales, product proficiency, pricing strategies, and resource optimization.
• Effective management, sales leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Professional communication, persuasion, presentation, and customer service skills.
• Proven ability to supervise, coach, evaluate, and develop employees.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills to maximize productivity.
• Proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Office and Excel.

Core Competencies

• Member customer service, collaboration, communication, decision-making, and skill development.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving abstract.
• Ability to travel independently, including overnight stays as necessary.
• Completion of training in Workplace Health, Safety & Environmental policies, WHMIS, and other required programs.

Job Specification

Mental Effort

• Works independently within established policies and procedures, requiring periods of moderate to high concentration and attention to detail.
• Encounters mental stress during peak seasons, budget planning, and performance management, requiring effective decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Physical Effort

• Primarily office-based with periods of walking and outdoor activities for customer visits and plot demonstrations.
• Occasional lifting of parcels up to 50 lbs and frequent driving to various locations.

Working Conditions

• This is an at work job, not designed for work from Home. Work involves a mix of office and outdoor environments, including exposure to dust, fumes, and varied surfaces.
• Travel on gravel roads and occasional overnight stays may be required. Additional hours may be necessary during peak operational periods.

Job Segment: Scientific, Marketing Manager, Performance Management, Engineering, Marketing, Human Resources

The Lucknow District Co-operative Inc. is located on Huron County Road #1, south of Lucknow, was established in 1944 and is owned by more than 1,800 local people. The co-operative provides customers of Huron and Bruce Counties with livestock feed, agronomy products and services, consumer goods, including hardware and clothing, petroleum and propane products and services. It is a shareholder-owner of GROWMARK, Inc. and markets products and services under the FS banner.