Sustainable Solutions Sales Specialist

About us: 

Valent U.S.A. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited, engages in the development, registration, sales, and marketing of integrated technological solutions for crop production and pest management that deliver value for our customers and stakeholders. A leading crop protection firm serving the agricultural and non-crop products markets in North America, Valent products help growers produce safe and abundant food and fiber crops, and horticultural professionals improve the quality of life for their customers. The corporate motto, Products That Work, From People Who Care®, describes the company's business philosophy. Valent seeks out and provides customers with innovative and effective solutions to their production challenges. Our vision is to be the best company delivering integrated solutions of biorational and traditional crop protection solutions to our customers. Valent is dedicated to creating a world that is healthier and more comfortable, and that has a sustainable abundance of quality, affordable food, helping crops to be the ultimate renewable resource.

General Description:

This strategic role is responsible for executing our sustainable solutions business unit goals by developing a business model and sales strategy within vertically integrated farming operations, corporate farming entities and other key stakeholders in farming operations in Washington/Oregon positioning our biorational products. This position is responsible for developing business plans with the targeted accounts while enlisting technical, sales and business support from others within the Valent Group Companies. The Sustainable Solutions Sales Specialist will partner with the Territory Account Manager, and Regional Account Manager, to identify customer targets that meet the defined criteria and offer opportunities to partner with Valent and the Valent Group Companies. 

Principal Responsibilities:

•    Accountable for achieving sustainable solutions annual sales target (EDI)

•    Establish and build rapport within key farming operations in the pacific northwest.

•    Execute short- and long-term sustainable solutions portfolio business plans in alignment with Regional and Territory account managers.

•    Assist in providing internal insights into the complexity of large farming operations and organizations; understand the ownership stakes, partnership opportunities, downstream production for these accounts (fresh or processed, storage, export) and communicate these insights to Valent USA and Valent Group Companies leadership.

•    Engage with field market development team on trial work, product recommendations, technical training needs/insights to achieve sales target. 

•    Articulate and execute business development plans for respective territory; prioritize crops, customers and trial work that will achieve biorational sales target.

•    Engage with key industry partners and trade organizations at shows and industry events, partner with key opinion leaders within specialty cropping systems in both conventional and organic production along with minor acre row crop.

•    Ensure Valent products are positioned correctly within the respective organization through procurement and agronomy teams such as products are secured on bid sheets. 

•    Promote Valent’s sustainable solutions criteria (people, planet, productivity) highlighting key sustainable attributes and practices of our portfolio.  

Qualifications:

•    7 years of strategic selling and/or account management experience, apple market experience a plus 

•    High understanding of corporate sustainability initiatives, conservation ag drivers within organizations

•    Creative and entrepreneurial approach to tackling industry challenges related to the specialty market

•    Demonstrated business acumen and track record of collaboration across functional groups 

•    Excellent oral and written communication skills

•    Understanding of production agricultural and the business model associated with vertically integrated farming operations

•    Experience in developing customer business plans to deliver short and long-term results

•    High moral ethics, standards and industry credibility

•    Ability to translate a concept or vision and turn it into a tangible plan that can be communicated within the key account and other stakeholders

•    Travel by car and air 75% of the time

Physical Demands and Work Environment (FIELD Position)

The physical demands and work environmental characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

•    Physical Demands include constant walking, standing, bending at the neck and waist, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, twisting at the neck and waist, simple grasping, power grasping, and fine manipulation with hands, pushing and pulling with hands, reaching above shoulder level, and lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.; also frequent lifting and carrying of up to 75 lbs., occasional sitting and lifting and carrying of up to 100 lbs.  Travel by air or car up to 60% of the time and will be required to drive safely for long distances.

•    Work Environment includes exposure to or working in or around moving cars, trucks, forklifts, equipment and machinery including a computer keyboard and mouse; uneven ground; excessive noise; extremes in temperature, humidity, or wetness; dust, gas, fumes, or chemicals; venomous insects and animals, heights; operation of foot controls or repetitive foot movement; use of special visual or auditory protective equipment.  May be required to work outdoors in an agricultural crop field, assist in putting out demonstration plots, wear respirator and other personal protection equipment.  

•    Frequency Definitions:  Occasional = Up to 10%

What We Offer 

We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees.

Base Salary: The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from: 

$90,000 to $154,100. Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Incentives: All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary.

Benefits: 

• High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
• 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
• Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
• Financial assistance programs to support your goals
• Life and disability insurance for added security
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days
• Flexible work arrangements available 

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Valent Group of Companies, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do.

Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.

• Valent U.S.A., Valent North America LLC, Valent BioSciences LLC and Mycorrhizal Applications LLC are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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