Now hiring! Sales Specialist - Key Account Manager - NW Iowa, N NE, ND and SD Territory (Field)

NW Iowa, N Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota Territory

We are looking for a Sales Specialist - Key Account Manager to join our Agricultural Solutions team.

This role for the Thurston Genetics business unit within BASF revolves around the customer experience and driving profitable growth. The foundation for this is a strong team that brings technical product and product placement, industry and market knowledge in order to understand the diverse markets where we build trusting and satisfying customer relationships.

The person in this role will be responsible for managing 35-40 accounts across the assigned territory. Additionally, they will provide support on another 10-15 accounts located in Wisconsin and Canada. They will meet BASF specified targets by creating value for the existing customer base and prospecting for new opportunities for Thurston Genetics corn hybrids. They will report to the National Sales Manager.

They will reside within the Northern Sales territory. Traveling up to 35% of the time overnight. Our opportunities can take you all over North America.

Welcome to BASF

We are BASF in Agriculture and everything we do, we do for the love of farming, and the biggest job on Earth. We are an internationally successful company of the BASF Group. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture.

#ForTheLoveOfFarming #TheBiggestJobOnEarth #AgEmployerOfChoice

Here you can gain more insight into our Vision at BASF Agricultural Solutions!

As a Sales Specialist - Key Account Manager - NW Iowa, N NE, ND and SD Territory (Field), you create chemistry by...

• Managing business relationships with assigned seed company accounts, which may include Corporate and/or Regional Business relationships.
• Relying on your Account Management experience and demonstrated corn germplasm knowledge, you will develop and communicate product information to accounts allowing for effective business solutions to be developed representing mutually successful and profitable results. Forecasting sales and seedstock supply needs are key to business units success as well as managing through inventory shortages. 
• Thinking strategically and with high self-motivation, you will build strong relationships with accounts to ensure Thurston Genetics and BASF are positioned as preferred suppliers.
• Having strong business acumen and demonstrating understanding of the agricultural markets will help drive strategic decisions for the business, developing and executing strong business plans for results. 
• Having opportunities to take on special projects related to candidate skills and experience.
• Participating in building product testing plans including field days, observation plots and research yield trials across North America. 
• Utilizing your corn product management and field evaluation experience, you will focus on identifying and characterizing high performing corn inbreds and hybrids for commercial release.
• Being willing and able to travel approximately 35% of the time. Considerable time will be spent traveling with other account managers to learn customer and sales territory needs. Significant travel required initially with the amount of travel decreasing as the candidate becomes more experienced and knowledgeable in the territory. 

If you...

• Have a B.S. Degree in a Crop Genetics, or agronomy-related field is very desirable, and at least 10 years of experience in such a field is required. 
• Have at least 5 years of experience in building and maintaining strong customer relationships. 
• Have prior experience in corn product management or in corn hybrid evaluation.
• Have prior experience with plot data analysis software, hybrid advancement presentations, sales presentations, and interaction with sales personnel and growers.
• Are excellent in verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work well with others on a wide range of topics is mandatory. 
• Have self-motivation and the ability to work independently. 
• Have strong computer skills and experience with relational databases and have the ability to use multiple presentation methods to effectively communicate to broad customer base is required.
• Are willing and able to travel 35%.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

BASF Agricultural Solutions is a trusted partner to the agricultural industry, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that help farmers succeed across a wide range of cropping systems. Across North America, our teams work together to address some of agriculture's most important challenges while creating value for customers, communities, and the environment. At BASF, you'll find opportunities to grow your career, collaborate with talented colleagues, and make a meaningful impact through work that matters.

Find out more about our Agricultural Solutions team here. 

Our people are at the heart of everything, dedicated to delivering value for our customers every day.

By focusing on enabling our people today and in the future, we will ensure we have the talent and skills needed to succeed. 

United by the love of farming, we innovate, collaborate, and strive for the best solutions together, creating connections and driving success as one team. This is how we make an impact. For the love of farming, the biggest job on Earth.

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact Careers.NorthAmerica@basf.com to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.