Ruminant Nutritionist

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports to the Technical Director and Commercial Sales Manager and works closely with the sales staff, nutritionists, and technical group across Furst-McNess.

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF POSITION:

Under general direction, is engaged in enhancing ruminant production performance for beef producers that leads to the sales of the Furst-McNess Program. As well as you are responsible for the achievement of sales and profit objectives of McNess ruminant specialty ingredients and services for both beef and dairy. In coordination with the Technical Director and Commercial Sales Manager, you are responsible for the achievement of sales and profit objectives of McNess products and services per the annual business plan. Additionally, you will be an active member of the technical service team and engaged in supporting sales staff and customers with recommending or proofing formulations and rations. Working with support and technical staff on formulation software and providing feedback from the field for pricing will also be components of this position.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Focus to sale growth of the McNess Beef Program and the Specialty Ingredient Product Line for Furst-McNess.
• Member of the Furst-McNess Technical and Research and Development Team.
• In coordination with other field staff or on their own provide beef consulting and nutritional advice to clients and potential clients that results in significant growth in the Company beef and specialty ingredient business.
• Functional component of sales team. Participate in internal meetings and constructively interact with the entire team. Provide training as requested.
• Participate in preparation of technical and marketing communications to field staff, customers, and prospects with various sales groups and the marketing team.
• Coach and mentor, the ruminant sales staff in identifying potential sales opportunities and, provide motivation by showing a pathway to success with customers and prospects.
• Access and provide information and guidance to sales staff, customers, and prospects in all areas of beef production management and specialty ingredients.
• Be the first level resource person for beef production, specialty ingredient, and problem solving for the sales staff of Furst-McNess.
• Available to work on farm with sales staff or alone as required on a regular, predictable schedule.
• Conduct prospect meetings through effective use of skills, presentations, and competitor knowledge.
• Build relationships with assigned supply sources and ingredient manufacturers, as well as other beef industry participants-university, trade organizations, etc.
• Work with management and sales staff to identify and create services and products that need to be supplied to maintain current and new business for rapid growth.
• Be on the leading of beef feeding, production, management trends, practices, and specialty ingredients for use in developing Company programs and use in the field.
• Recruit new accounts through presentations of programs and products to perspective producers either in their own capacity or in conjunction with McNess employed Livestock Feeding Consultants.
• Participate in the development of and implements the strategic plan for the assigned region.
• Establish and maintain reasonable accounts receivables with customers as per Company policy and procedures.
• Resolve customer concerns and questions in a timely manner independently or through the utilization of other resources within the Company as the case may be or require.
• Communicate business development opportunities and participates in development of same as may be required from time to time.
• Perform other work-related duties as requested or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be able to succeed within and adhere to the culture of the Furst-McNess Company.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation.
• Ability to read, write and speak English, and access information from computer reports and computers. Demonstrate effective and diplomatic oral and written communication skills with internal and external contacts.
• Education equivalent to a Ph. D. or higher degree in Beef or Ruminant Nutrition or equivalent work experience, along with 5 or more years of in direct sales experience in combination of direct sales, technical support, etc. in the beef industry.
• Ability to travel, either by car or by commercial plane, including overnight stays, as business dictates. Travel will be required, and we anticipate it to be up to 50% of the time. Must, at all times, possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record and have the ability fly when required (within guidelines set forth in company vehicle policy).
• Knowledge of computer equipment with a working expertise of Word, Excel, Power Point, Lotus Notes Software, and Company provided ration balancing software.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service to all customers, showing a sense of urgency relative to solving problems, performing assigned tasks, etc.
• Ability to effectively organize work schedules and manage multiple assignments by utilizing time management skills to ensure day-to-day assignments and special projects are completed within guidelines agreed upon.
• Ability to work as an effective team member and help to develop a “One McNess” mindset within the team and company.
• Ability to be flexible and be willing to change along with recommending and making changes that are feasible. Respect other peoples' points of view and be able to take constructive criticism.