Now Hiring! Manager of Key Accounts Team

Remote: Midwest based, preferably in the Central Corn Belt (South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin preferred)

The world needs [creative] solutions. We need YOU!

Where the chemistry happens…

The Manager of Key Accounts Team (MKAT) for the Thurston Genetics business unit with BASF revolves around the customer experience and driving profitable growth. The foundation for this is a strong team that brings technical product information and placement, as well as industry and market knowledge to understand diverse markets where we build trusting and satisfying customer relationships.

As the Manager of Key Accounts Team, you will report to the National Sales Manager, and be responsible for overseeing all sales and marketing activities of the business unit. The MKAT works with Executive Management to grow the business unit utilizing origination and development resources. Using an active and practical approach, the MKAT will direct all employees in sales and marketing functions to attain the business unit’s strategic goals established in the business unit’s strategic plan. The MKAT will have at least four direct reports and will interact with all department heads within the business unit. Significant travel will be required throughout the US and Canada.

We are seeking a professional like you to maintain and expand effective relationships with all customers with added focus on our key accounts. You will interact with the Business Unit Manager and the National Sales Manager to learn all areas of the business to understand the complexities of the licensing business.

You will reside in the Midwest, preferably in the Central Corn Belt. You will be traveling up to 25% of the time overnight. Our opportunities can take you all over North America. 

As a Manager of Key Accounts Team, You Create Chemistry By...

• Managing business relationships with licensees/customers, contract growers, key suppliers/originators, and other key industry representatives.
• Relying on your effective communication skills and abilities to influence others to develop/execute strategies to grow profitable business. 
• Successfully engaging outside of the organization, you will visit key customers on a frequent basis and establish professional relationships with multiple contacts within each of the specified organizations.
• Leading the sales team to assure we are focused on customer needs and assist management team in product forecasting, supply management and seed allocations.
• Assisting management team in establishing the company’s strategy for all sales and marketing programs to ensure unit and financial goals are met on an annual basis.
• Leading marketing efforts including product profiling, pricing recommendations to Executive Management and sales material.
• Actively participating in sales presentations and customer meetings with special focus on identified key customer accounts.
• Participating on the Product Release Team in determining commercial launch of products, needs assessments and customer allocations.
• Working in a consultative fashion with other department heads on strategic planning, agronomy services, seed production and operations as an advisor of technologies that may improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
• Managing the seasonal peak workloads of your team.
• Learning the complex seed licensing business processes and develop business critical decision-making abilities allowing for increased responsibilities over time.

If you...

• Have a B.S. degree (master’s or higher degree preferred) in agriculture or a business-related field.
• Have 6 years of experience in leading and managing employees.
• Have 10 years of experience in sales and marketing activities in seed corn.
• Have 15 years of experience in seed corn activities including corn product management, corn genetics, biotech traits, and agronomic services.
• Are knowledgeable in all aspects of the seed industry, its markets, cost analysis, sales tools and have a general understanding of pricing products and services.
• Have self-motivation and the ability to work independently.
• Have strong computer skills and experience with relational databases.
• Are able to use multiple presentation methods to effectively communicate to broad customer base.
• Are willing and able to travel 25% of the time.

Then...

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!

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 myhr@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.