Associate Account Manager, IL

Verdesian is seeking an individual to fill our remote Associate Account Manager in IL. The Associate Account Manager is responsible for driving sales growth and executing strategic programs within assigned independent retail, co-op, and dealer accounts. This role serves as a key liaison between field operations and strategic accounts, ensuring alignment and flawless execution of national and regional initiatives. There will be an emphasis on training potential/newly acquired retailers on product benefits and usage.  

The Associate Account Managers are expected to demonstrate product expertise and mastery of the sales process. They will develop annual territory plans and business plans with their VIP customers. The individual in this role will complete accurate and timely forecasting to ensure adequate product supply. This person will manage their OPEX budgets to ensure they are good stewards of the resources entrusted to them. They will engage with Marketing and R&D to ensure products are developed to meet the needs of their customers.  Sales efforts to be supported by strategic marketing plans and product trainings.

 Essential Responsibilities:

• Own and grow sales within assigned independent retail, co-op, and dealer accounts.
• Execute programs, promotions, and distribution goals at assigned national or strategic account locations (e.g., Helena, Growmark).
• Partner with Account Managers and Strategic Accounts to ensure in-market execution of initiatives.
• Develop full-line product and commercial acumen to progress toward Account Manager or Strategic Account roles.
• Support Enterprise Account Leads and Distributor Directors with customer planning, execution, and reporting.
• Manage day-to-day coordination for distributor and retail programs, including pricing, promotions, and new product setup.
• Facilitate business relationships contributing to public relations
• Other Account Manager duties not listed above as required

Qualifications:

• Interest & belief in the importance of nutrient use efficiency
• Experience selling inoculants, fertilizer enhancers, and/or micronutrients a plus
• Minimum work experience of 5 years full-time exempt sales experience in Agriculture industry
• Preferred education of BA or BS degree in Agriculture related field

• Strong communication (both written and verbal) and presentation skills
• Proven ability to develop deep working relationships

Criteria:

• Sell and manage a defined book of independent customer business while executing in-market programs at assigned strategic/national accounts.
• Serve as the local field liaison for strategic accounts to ensure alignment between trade programs and field/account execution.
• Identify white space opportunities, upsell opportunities, and velocity gaps.
• Coordinate with Strategic Account Leads on program launches, pricing updates, and promotional compliance.
• Maintain accurate CRM updates, pipeline tracking, and account-level plans.
• Support in-season activities such as field days, grower events, and retail merchandising.
• Assist Strategic Account Leads and Distributor Directors with JBPs, QBR prep, and trade program tracking.
• Coordinate product launches, sample fulfillment, and marketing initiatives within key accounts.

Verdesian Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex, and sexual orientation.