New Fertilizer Product Development Specialist Job in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota US
New Fertilizer Product Development Specialist
Responsibilities CHS has an exciting opportunity in our Crop Nutrients division . We are looking for a New Fertilizer Product Development Specialist to develop and execute a new specialty fertilizer strategy and product offerings. You must have deep agronomic knowledge, excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, be detail oriented, with strong business development and execution skills. You will: Develop a new specialty fertilizer product offering, both liquid and dry combinations, with a focus on best and most efficient application methods, and effectively launch products to existing and new customers. Offering may include internally developed products as well as licensing or marketing of existing products. Conduct meetings to analyze, plan, develop, and implement new fertilizer product offerings that align with divisional goals and objectives. Collaborate with customers to identify their needs, understand the local/regional differences and provide differentiation by delivering more value-added products. Identify the asset investment (people and fixed assets) needed to formulate and manufacture specialty fertilizer products, and coordinate the effort to execute. Research existing specialty product offerings in the market, and determine if a licensing or marketing arrangement would provide quicker launch with reasonable return. Partner with the Marketing Director, Regional Directors, and Account Managers to determine the "go to market" model and strategy. Assist in identification of product launch initiatives and strategies to accelerate introduction and acceptance of the specialty fertilizer product offerings. Collaborate with Marketing Director to develop technical selling messages, tools and training for sales team, ensuring sales team is knowledgeable and promoting the right programs by region. Partner with sales team on competitive issues to guarantee the best outcome. Work in conjunction with sales team, providing sales support to prepare and deliver quality impactful presentations to a variety of audiences and customers. Align with Product Supply Director to ensure adequate supply of key raw materials. Identify acquisition opportunities to expand footprint in the market space Establish, build, and maintain business relationships internally across the organization and externally. Keep abreast of market and industry trends, changes, strategies and competitive information to accurately answer inquiries and provide insightful recommendations. 30% domestic travel Basic Qualifications Bachelor degree in Crop Soil Science or Agronomy 10 years experience as an Agronomist with focus on fertilizers or chemicals 5 years experience with product development and product launch Business development experience Preferred Qualifications Familiar with specialty fertilizer product offerings Understanding of agriculture marketing strategies from a business retail level and producer level. Identifies and provides sales support and data needs including research plots, strip trials, university collaboration, fertilizer, chemical and seed collaborations. Develop technical / selling messages, tools and training for sales agronomists. CHS offers a Competitive Salary. Benefits include: Health, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Life Insurance, Health and Day Care Savings Accounts, Paid Vacation, 401K, Company Funded Pension, Profit Sharing, Long and Short Term Disability, Tuition reimbursement, and Adoption assistance. This position will have opportunity for growth. CHS is a diversified Fortune 100 company providing essential grain, food and energy resources to businesses and consumers. CHS is a cooperative system owned by farmers, ranchers and their local cooperatives from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest and from the Canadian border to Texas. CHS is an EEO employer. Minimum Education Required Bachelor