[Hiring] Research Trials Manager/Technical Sales Agronomist @Ostara

Role Description

The Research Trials Manager/Technical Sales Agronomist is primarily responsible for:

• Developing the information and research base necessary to continue growing the product line, including existing and new products.
• Managing research trial execution and the related data analysis and reporting.
• Educating and supporting the sales team on driving commercial messaging with field trials data and product information.

This role will implement, support, and manage the research development program while evaluating new products that could help to expand both the portfolio and Ostara's reach in agriculture. Daily collaboration with Technical Sales and Marketing will ensure proper messaging and a clear understanding of the product(s) and associated value proposition(s) exist. The Manager will support global growth goals and expansion efforts.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in agronomy or related field.
• Three (3) years of work experience in production agriculture highly desired.
• Proven track record communicating with industry professionals including retailers and growers.
• Experience designing and conducting research trials, analyzing data, summarizing results, interpreting the message, and communicating results to the appropriate teams in a presentation-ready format.
• Knowledge of and experience with communicating soil fertility and plant nutrition products and concepts.
• Specialized knowledge in a complementary aspect of agronomy, nutrition, sustainability, tillage, or emerging technologies.

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical product attributes to all organization levels.
• Effectively translates and articulates internal data into supportive commercial communications.
• Comfortable proactively seeking opportunities to discuss, educate and externally collaborate.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software and appropriate statistical programs such as SAS and ARM.
• Proficient in proper statistical design, layout, and analysis of research trials.
• Must have previously developed strong industry relationships such as retailers, growers, and industry professionals.
• Previous experience in sales or directly related sales activities within the ag industry highly desired.
• Must recognize the need and have a desire to physically evaluate all field sites to assess field/data/cooperator quality.
• Must be passionate about promoting a sustainable fertilizer and comfortable speaking publicly to support sales.

Benefits

• This position is remote, preferably within a 60 mile radius of St. Louis, MO.
• A minimum 50-60% travel requirement is expected by driving extensively and at times, flying.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Regularly required to talk on the phone, speak with the public, hear on the phone, hear in person, and use hands and fingers.
• Requires sitting for prolonged periods with minimal exposure to hot and cold temperature extremes.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Close vision and the ability to adjust focus are necessary.
• Prolonged exposure to adverse weather conditions may occur during field trial evaluations.
• Standing for periods of 6-8 hours may be necessary for events such as trade shows.