Agricultural Area Manager, Grand Rapids, MI

Do you have at least five years' experience in agriculture with a demonstrated track record in sales and marketing or product management? Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in Ag or a Business related field? Do you possess a high level of leadership ability including building strong relationships with cross-functional teams? If you said yes to all of these questions, AND, you have exceptional interpersonal communication skills, we want to hear from YOU!For nearly a century, Wilbur-Ellis has experienced success and growth in marketing and distributing agricultural products and services. Join us and grow your career with a strong and profitable industry leader offering competitive compensation, tremendous growth and development opportunities, and a people-first work environment. Come grow with us!General Purpose and Scope of Position:

The Area Manager is responsible for managing Agribusiness operations in Great Lakes Area (MI & OH) including but not limited to retail strategy development and implementation, management of Wilbur-Ellis locations, personnel development, operational oversight and financial results. As part of the Geography Management Team, the Area Manager provides leadership and direction to branch and territory management in the day-to-day operations and implementation of the Geography strategic plan.Key Skills and Abilities Include:

Proficient in all Microsoft office applicationsMinimum of five years' experience in the agriculture business with demonstrated track record in sales and marketing or product managementBachelor's degree or higher in Agriculture or Business related field preferredAbility to travel by air or autoMust be able to drive safely for long distancesAcceptable DMV report requiredKey Personal Attributes Include:

High degree of leadership ability, including building relationships with cross functional teamsGood interpersonal and team building skills with a positive attitude and ability to establish relationships with branch personnel, peers and customersDemonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills to small and large groups with an ability to lead and influenceDetail and accuracy orientation with an ability to handle multiple projects simultaneouslySpecific Responsibilities and Key Deliverables Include:

Development of annual business plan that optimizes growth and profitability for the areaResponsible for budgeting, forecasting, analysis and communication of the financial performance objectives for the areaCommunicate with Geography Management the initiatives, objectives, strategies, and action plansProvide leadership and direction to branch managers and support staffUtilize Variable Incentive Plan (VIP) to establish measurable, challenging goals for sales and management personnel that lead to the accomplishment of the overall Area financial goalsManage VIP potential target margin to not exceed individual branch budgeted gross marginAs part of an overall performance management plan, conduct annual performance appraisals with Branch Managers and assist and advise Branch Managers with sales team performance reviewsProvide employees with constructive feedback and coach employees on how to improve their performanceTrain, coach and mentor for the growth and increased effectiveness of othersProvide leadership in recruiting, motivating and retaining key employees. Assure the right person is in the right role.Coordinate effective sales team training in skill development and growthAssist branch managers with efficient use of capital asset utilization and acquisition. Monitor new asset performance to plan and adjust as required to meet plan goals.Adhere to all company policies associated with safety, health and environmental practices. Take immediate and appropriate actions to remedy hazards as they are identified. Help provide solutions to safety, health and environmental challenges.Minimize risk of crop claims, credit and compliance issues through adherence to policy, best practices and ongoing trainingIdentify and communicate growth opportunities through acquisition, new market development and geography expansionImplement area plan to support strategic initiatives with value added nutrition, branded products, seed, purchasing and technology. Utilize Geography and Area resources to provide excellent service and support to branch sales and operations.Compensation and Benefits

Competitive annual salary (to be determined based on experience and other factors)All applicable company benefits including a company vehicleCOMPANY CULTURE

Wilbur-Ellis is a company you can be proud to call your employerWilbur-Ellis markets and distributes agricultural products, animal feed and specialty chemicals and food ingredients. A privately held and consistently profitable company, we employ more than 4,000 people throughout North America and Asia-Pacific.Wilbur-Ellis is for and about peopleWilbur-Ellis has enjoyed over ninety-three years of success and growth, all thanks to our people. Our employees are both leaders and team players who thrive on creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and a dedication to quality work, our customers and each other.Wilbur-Ellis invests in the industry's best workforceWilbur-Ellis invests heavily in our employees by offering skill development and training, competitive compensation and benefits and a tradition of promoting from within for a broad range of career opportunities. And we foster a supportive, people-first work environment.Wilbur Ellis Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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