Technical Service Manager

FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC's innovative crop protection solutions – including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture – enable growers, crop advisers and turf and pest management professionals to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. With approximately 6,400 employees at more than 100 sites worldwide, FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet.

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.  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.  Visit FMC to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

Function Overview:

The Technical Sales Manager (TSM) handles all technical support functions for their area of Alberta on behalf of FMC.  This position works closely with Account Managers, the Sales Manager for the region, key influential industry personnel, such as grower groups and organizations, as well as University and Government extension personnel.  All training presentations, localized sales tools, and complaints flow through the TSM.  The TSM works closely with the other technical support personnel outside the local geography as well as the marketing, regulatory and product development groups. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain strong technical knowledge of commercial, new chemistries & other technology impacting the business
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with important influencers, such as independent agronomist, retail agronomists, or research agronomists, in the territory to ensure they are adequately prepared to recommend FMC products upon launch and that FMC and our products are represented fairly in publication 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 with Product Development teammates to ensure testing programs are aligned with market trends and that the Technical Sales Manager is well educated regarding development projects as launch time approaches
• Manage technical expense, service to sales dollars & product demo budget consistent & aligned with key regional initiatives
• Provide technical product training & give regional guidance on complaint handling
• Develop, implement & supervise influence plans that are aligned with regional sales and marketing objectives
• Develop training modules and lead technical consulting & training to internal and external groups.  Key focus on new product launches and leading the technical transfer of information to Account Manager's & key customer groups
• Provide necessary proof of validation for label updates or amendments and assist regulatory department by writing use instructions for same
• Production of sales tools such as newsletters, recommendation sheets and other sales collateral material
• Review, comment and approve technical, sales, marketing and or advertising communications as assigned
• Continue strengthening the communication between other regional technical support groups and internal functional groups
• Expected to conduct yourself in a safe and responsible manner

Minimum Requirements

• BS Agricultural science plus 3 years’ experience in technical support, selling chemical crop protection

• MSc – Agricultural related, 1 year experience in technical support and development of agricultural products

Required

 Certified Crop Advisor/ PAG or equivalent certification required or willingness to obtain within the first 12 months of employment

Qualifications

• 5-10 years experience in technical support, selling chemical crop protection, seed or agronomy services
• Certified Crop Advisor/ PAG or equivalent certification required or obtained with the first 12 months of employment.
• Excellent speaking, writing, and computer skills
• Capable of designing protocols 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 and resolve conflict
• Ability to build and sustain strong business relationships with customers and teammates
• Talent to develop and service business relationships with agronomy staff of key retail accounts
• Demonstrated ability to make independent judgments with review from management; experience making decisions of a complex nature where independent judgment and creativity are required
• Demonstrated ability to effectively negotiate with customers, teammates and management
• Project management or special assignment experience involving work outside the area/region

Location:  Central Alberta

At FMC, diversity and inclusion are in our DNA. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive – regardless of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, color, age, religion or religious creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. FMC also supports employee participation in company employee resource groups that celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our workforce by providing communities for employees to connect with each other and raise awareness throughout FMC. FMC complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact our Talent Acquisition department.