Technical Service Manager

Job Description:

Overview:

FMC Corporation is a leading specialty company focused on agricultural technologies. FMC provides innovative and cost-effective solutions to enhance crop yield and quality by controlling a broad spectrum of insects, weeds and disease, as well as in non-agricultural markets for pest control.

FMC is a globally diverse organization that offers its employees exciting opportunities to work on challenging projects that are important to the achievement of our strategic objectives. Your education and professional experience are valued and put to use from day one. Your success at completing key initiatives can result in a varied, progressive, and fulfilling career with FMC.

With a corporate culture of innovation, integrity, responsibility, and customer intimacy, we foster “The Right Chemistry” in everything we do. We are looking for people to join us in creating, developing, and improving our products, our processes, and our markets. If you are ready to make a difference every day, FMC is ready to talk to you.

Business/Function Overview:

The Minnesota and Eastern South Dakota Technical Service Manager (TSM) oversees all the technical support functions for his/her area of on behalf of FMC. This person works closely with the local Sales Team and the Northern Plains Regional Sales leadership in the region. The research testing funds to the universities flow through the Technical Services Manager as do internal and external training presentations, localized sales tools, as well assistance with Sales on customer product issues. The TSM works as part of a team of other technical agronomy personnel outside the local geography as well as the Marketing, Regulatory and Product Development groups. The TSM will work closely with the Heartland Regional Technical Manager to ensure the technical focus of the region is in harmony with the technical focus and strategy across North America Crop Business.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain strong technical knowledge of field agronomy and agronomic, commercial, new chemistries & other agricultural technology impacting the business.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with University Extension personnel and other important influencers in the territory to be a trusted advisor for growers, retailers and crop consultants to ensure they are adequately prepared to recommend or use FMC products and that FMC, and our products are represented fairly, accurately in publications and in live field or industry events
• Develop, execute & supervise appropriate support activities aligned with key initiatives as outlined in the TSM Goals and Objectives
• Work hand in hand with Product Development teammates to ensure testing programs are aligned with market trends and that the Technical Service Manager is well educated regarding development projects as launch time approaches.
• Manage technical expenses, service to sales dollars & product demo budget consistent & aligned with key regional initiatives.
• Provide product and agronomic training and advice & give regional guidance on complaint handling and assist Sales in complaint calls where necessary for agronomic expertise, problem diagnosis, and input on resolution.
• Manage, implement & supervise research testing funds and influence plans (GIA) that are aligned with regional sales and marketing objectives.
• Develop various training modules & take the lead in providing technical consulting & training to internal & external groups. Special attention needs to focus on new product launches & leading the technical transfer of information to sales teams & key customer groups.
• Provide necessary proof of validation using sound data and information for label updates or amendments and assist the regulatory department by writing use instructions for same
• Production of sales tools such as newsletters, recommendation sheets and other sales collateral material.
• Carefully review, comment and approve technical, sales, marketing and or advertising communications as assigned.
• Continue to strengthen the communication between other regional technical support groups and internal functional groups.

Required Education:

• Minimum of a MS in Entomology, Plant Pathology/Physiology, Weed Science, Agronomy or other agricultural/related science or equivalent experience.
• PhD preferred

Qualifications:

• 2-10 years’ experience in technical support, selling chemical crop protection, seed or agronomy services.
• Certified Crop Advisor or equivalent certification desired
• Excellent speaking, writing, and computer skills
• Working knowledge of ARM
• Capable of designing protocols, executing field trials, and research projects that creatively and effectively demonstrate the features and benefits of agronomy inputs. Key contributor on complex projects
• Proven ability to effectively transfer technically complex information to an audience with more limited technical expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively under pressure, navigate contentious situations, challenging issues and resolve conflict.

• Ability to build and sustain strong business relationships with growers, crop consultants, influencers, retailers, and teammates of varying personalities and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions under minimum supervision; occasionally makes decisions of a complex nature within operating guidelines.

• Ability to develop and service business relationships with agronomy staff of key retail accounts.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent judgments with review from management; makes decisions of a complex nature where independent judgment and creativity are required.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively negotiate with customers, teammates and management.
• Lead projects or special assignment involving work outside the area/region.
• Serves as a leader and valuable technical resources to others within the sales organization.
• Self-motivated. Strong organizational, prioritization skills, and drive to succeed. Leads projects and initiatives with little guidance required.

EEO Statement:

FMC employees enjoy competitive compensation, a menu of work/life benefits and opportunities to continue developing their skills and building their career. FMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, gender, disability or protected veteran status. FMC supports a drug-free workplace.

About Us

At FMC Corporation we are guided by our purpose: Innovation for agriculture, Solutions for the planet. We are dedicated to providing farmers with innovative solutions that increase the productivity and resilience of their land. From our industry-leading pipeline to novel biologicals and precision technologies, we are passionate about the power of science to solve agriculture’s biggest challenges.

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