Agronomy Sales & Business Development Manager

Innovative Ag Services is seeking an Agronomy Sales & Business Development Manager to lead growth across the Southeast Iowa Territory. This onsite role partners sales leadership with hands-on coaching, aiming to improve market share, profitability, and the grower experience while guiding a team of agronomy professionals.

In this position, you will build performance through leadership, training, and accountability, while developing territory strategies and supporting cross-functional coordination with operations and locations. The territory includes Andrew, Cascade, Central City, Farley, and Monticello.

Role overview

• Lead and develop a team of seven Agronomists focused on sales performance and customer outcomes.
• Drive territory growth strategies that increase market share and profitability.
• Coach agronomy sales professionals to strengthen technical expertise, business acumen, and selling effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, coach, mentor, and develop agronomy sales professionals to achieve individual and team performance goals.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, field coaching, and development planning to improve technical skills, business knowledge, and sales effectiveness.
• Set clear expectations and accountability for sales activity, customer growth, profitability, and customer retention.
• Promote continuous improvement, teamwork, professionalism, and customer service excellence.
• Identify training and development opportunities to prepare future leaders and high-performing sales professionals.
• Maintain regular contact with Agronomists and provide timely coaching and support.
• Prepare individual and team action plans to prospect new business and expand existing customer relationships.
• Support the development and implementation of agronomy marketing plans and sales initiatives.
• Guide Agronomists in preparing proposals, recommendations, and customer presentations.
• Monitor customer trends, market opportunities, and competitive activity to support business growth.
• Identify opportunities to increase customer engagement and strengthen long-term relationships.
• Communicate and manage accountability for pricing, profitability, and go-to-market strategies.
• Monitor sales activities, customer portfolio performance, and territory growth objectives.
• Maintain accurate sales activity records and performance metrics.
• Assist with budget management and expense control to meet financial objectives.
• Provide timely feedback and recommendations to senior leadership regarding sales performance, opportunities, and challenges.
• Promote sound economic decision-making and financial accountability across the sales team.
• Partner closely with Operations Managers and Location Managers to coordinate sales and operations.
• Support account management activities, including customer onboarding, account setup, and accounts receivable expectations.
• Work collaboratively with operations teams to deliver an outstanding customer experience.
• Ensure team members follow company policies, procedures, safety standards, and ethical business practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Business, Business Management, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of agronomy sales leadership, sales management, or related agricultural leadership experience.
• Proven success leading high-performing sales teams and delivering growth objectives.
• Strong understanding of agronomic products, crop production systems, and customer relationship management.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Financial acumen to manage profitability, pricing strategies, and business planning.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and CRM systems.
• Ability to analyze market conditions and adjust sales strategies to support business goals.
• Effective communication skills in written, verbal, and presentation formats.

Location

• Monticello, IA (onsite)
• Southeast Iowa Territory: Andrew, Cascade, Central City, Farley, and Monticello

Compensation

• USD 120,000 - 135,000 per year

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement savings opportunities.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development, leadership training, and career growth opportunities.

What success looks like (first 12 months)

• Build strong relationships with Agronomists, operations teams, location managers, and key customers across the territory.
• Increase sales team effectiveness through coaching, development, and accountability.
• Grow market share and strengthen customer retention within the assigned geography.
• Improve communication and collaboration between sales and operations teams.
• Develop future sales talent through structured coaching and professional development.
• Drive measurable improvements in sales performance, profitability, and customer engagement.
• Build a culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and customer success.

Physical requirements and environment

• Ability to lift, push, pull, or occasionally carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, reach, and perform repetitive movements as needed.
• Agricultural work environment with exposure to seasonal weather, outdoor environments, and agricultural products.
• Frequent travel throughout the assigned territory to support employees and customers.

Preferred

• Previous experience leading and developing agronomy sales teams.
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) designation or ability to obtain.
• Experience working within a cooperative or multi-location agricultural organization.
• Knowledge of precision agriculture technologies and data-driven agronomic solutions.