Turf & Ornamental (T&O) Market Development Specialist

Corteva Agriscience has an exciting opportunity for a Market Development Specialist in the Turf and Ornamental Business (T&O). This is a virtual office position. However, the preferred location is the Midwest to Eastern states of the U.S. Must have easy access to a major metropolitan airport.

The T&O Development Specialist role is aligned with the T&O Sales Organization and is a technical focal point to constantly assist in accurately positioning products for both internal and external audiences to help grow and optimize sales in the T&O business. This role provides a unique opportunity to use your expert sales and business experience to mentor and develop your peers into the most capable sales team in the industry

The Turf and Ornamental Market Development Specialist works closely with Field Scientists, R&D, Regulatory and commercial teams to create and implement technical training modules and resources for our T&O portfolio. This individual will be known as the thought leader and expert for technical training and demonstrates the highest standards to best communicate the technical and agronomic fit that resonates with various stakeholders, but primarily Corteva Territory Managers, Distributor Sales Rep’s and end-use customers.

If you want to be part of an elite team with first-hand responsibilities to develop and execute strategy and by influencing and developing the capabilities of some of the most capable professionals in the T&O business, this role might be exactly what you are seeking. Apply to join a collaborative culture in the Corteva T&O team where your creativity and leadership can flourish.

General Description

• Identifies business opportunities and develops markets for existing or new products, new programs and technologies.
• Must be an expert on the sales process and in coaching and training the field on the selling skills.
• Partners with Field Sales, IFS, and Marketing to plan, coordinate and leverage field demonstrations improving internal product understanding and/or product positioning. Must serve as information liaison between field and IFS.
• Partners with internal teams to create product informational resources to improve the productivity and profitability of Corteva customers.
• Serves as the primary agronomic expert for the T&O team to resolve the most difficult customer complaints and to improve the adoption of the Corteva portfolio.
• Facilitates the resolution of technical product issues in the field.
• Responsible for direct mentorship and indirect leadership to TM, ATMs and interns.

Key Responsibilities:

Training

• Create and implements technical training and resources that enhances the knowledge of the TMs. Serves as the thought leader for technical training and is the best standard in communicating technical knowledge to a variety of stakeholders.
  • Technical training includes Corteva & competitive product’s features/benefits; weed, insect and disease identification and management; equipment and product use knowledge; business processes and acumen for each segment of the business (lawn care, nursery & greenhouse and golf).
  • The commercial link to collaborate with the T&O field scientists on demonstration plots for hands-on training, field tour opportunities, product performance characterization and/or visual imagery used for key messaging.
  • Understands Sales Support and Research Protocols from IFS and effectively communicates results to the field to maintain product position integrity.
  • Be a key resource in developing and delivering compelling presentations that can be leveraged by the TMs and sets the highest standards of content quality.
  • Mentors the field organization on the sales process and proper product positioning. Develops training for interns, ATMs, and TMs to elevate each to the appropriate skill level needed for role effectiveness and supports the commercial leadership’s intent on product initiatives and launch efforts. Work closely with Sales Excellence to facilitate competent and proficient ATMs.
  • Train and support distributors and end-users on product use and complaint handling guidelines and protocols.
  • Serve as a key trainer at national sales meetings or distributor/formulator meetings.

• Sales Resource Development
  • Provide input and guidance on sales tools, MarCom training modules, product positioning guides, and competitive positioning strategies.
  • Assist the sales organization in developing and implementing sound agronomic programs for specific geographies.
  • Lead the capabilities of Chesapeake and Myakka City research farms to be a resource for the T&O business,
  • Distill research and product performance data into formats that can be leveraged by TMs and DSR customers.
  • Support MarCom by being the technical expert and creative initiator in public communication efforts.

• Agronomic, Sales & Competitive Focal Point
  • Be the first-line liaison between the TMs and IFS guiding research investigations so they are aligned to the strategic direction of the commercial teams. Serve as the focal point of technical questions from the field and provide accurate, timely and thorough responses consistent with product positioning, capabilities and label recommendations.
  • Serve as the commercial link in the Local Product Concept Team and collaborate regularly with IFS, Regulatory, Marketing, and Program teams.
  • Attends various industry tradeshows to stay current on market conditions, to understand the positioning and technical attributes of competitive products, and how to defend or exploit opportunities against the competition.
  • Collaborate closely with Strategic Account Managers to support their efforts to differentiate the value of Corteva and the portfolio.
  • Respond to internal needs for technical expertise with complaints and demonstrate poise under highly stressful situations. Apply technical understanding and expertise to help enable win-win outcomes with the TMs and customers.
  • Serves as critical resource for the Customer Information Center (help-desk) and assure their ability to answer fundamental product information questions. Provide regular and timely training needed.

Required Skill Set:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with the many social styles of TMs, channel, and end user customers.
• Ability to solve complex problems through technical expertise, organization, management skills, written and verbal communications.
• Ability to be highly flexible and agile to meet the changing needs of the T&O business.
• Be a highly productive self-starter and can be an active contributor to teams.
• Strong ability to lead, mentor and influence others.
• Must have excellent presentation skills and presentation development that sets the highest standard of quality in the business.
• Demonstrates good time management and decision-making skills.
• Excellent computer skills in all Windows based software and ability to manage extensive excel databases.
• Expected to travel 50-75% of the time within the entire U.S. and being responsive to seasonal and business cycles.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelors in ag education, turfgrass management, weed science, agronomy, genetics, entomology, plant pathology or related fields, with a minimum of 5 years’ field sales experience required. Masters degree preferred.
• Experience with field plot protocols and demonstrations preferred.
• Visa sponsorship and International Relocation are NOT available for this position.

Location:

• Location for this position is negotiable, with proximity to a major airport required.
• Travel and support of TMs, customers and national scale roles across the U.S. is expected.

Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program

• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits
• Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

This reflects a reasonable estimate of the targeted base salary for this role. This role is also eligible for an annual bonus. Based on factors such as geographic location and candidate qualifications, actual base pay is determined when an employment offer is made.

Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.