Our client, Ontario Pork in Guelph is looking for a Field Agent to join their Marketing Division on a fulltime, permanent basis. Our client is agriculturally based so the successful candidate must have experience working in the agriculture sector or understand the needs and demands of those employed in this sector. Experience in the Pork industry would be considered an asset.
Reporting to the Marketing Manager, the Field Agent will assist with establishing an effective and cooperative business relationship with producers. The perfect candidate will work in a way that is team-focused and results-oriented, so that the customers’ needs can be met within a changing marketplace.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Establish an effective and cooperative business relationship with producers, associations and industry partners.
Act as Liaison between producers and organization by establishing effective, cooperative business relationships with producer body in an effort to educate producers and market services provided by the organization.
Visit current customers to build and maintain client trust and loyalty
Meet with prospective clients to help build and grow market share
2. Establish good rapport with producers in order to obtain as much information regarding their operation as possible and thus obtaining accurate data which can be shared with processors;
Collect and track monthly booking / inventory estimates
Review genetics and feeding practices
3. Inform producers about Marketing options
Assist producer by providing analysis of hog shipments, in order for producers to make Marketing decisions.
In discussion about risk management, bring awareness to producers on forward pricing options available to producers.
4. Assist Division Staff in All Activities Related to Selling, Scheduling and Settling Hog Payment.
Communicate with processors, producers and transporters about hog deliveries
Import and validate data in spreadsheets and databases.
Take orders from producers on the forward pricing program.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education
Preferred – College Diploma or University Degree in Agricultural Field or Equivalent Experience
Experience
Minimum – Three to five years experience in an agricultural sales/marketing position
Technical Skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Superb communication skills – both written and verbal
Good time management and computer skills
Possess and maintain valid driver’s license (in good standing), together with minimum $1,000,000 liability coverage
Core Competencies
Ability to work well with people at all levels – especially producers; must have solid understanding of pork industry, self directed.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS
Frequent Internal Contacts
Organization staff
Frequent External Contacts
Producers, Packers, Transporters
WORKING CONDITIONS
Frequent travel
In office approximately 50% of time; farm visits, industry events approximately 50% of time
Exposure to outdoor elements
Exposure to unpleasant environments, e.g., processing plant