Marketing Manager - Partner Seed Brands

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Strategic Marketing Manager for our seed business. This role is pivotal in managing relationships with strategic seed suppliers, developing tactical plans, and leading the overall partner brand seed strategy for the Winfield United system. This influential position will help lead the largest seed distribution business in the United States.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for the seed business, understand the ag retail and seed market landscape, a track record of delivering business results, the ability to navigate complex business problems, and a creative mind to drive our seed sales volume. This role requires a highly collaborative and innovative individual who embraces a healthy team culture.

Key Responsibilities:

Partner Brand Business Strategy and Partnerships (35%)

• Participate as a key member of the seed marketing team: Collaborate to build a partner brand seed strategy that supports the broader Winfield United seed strategy alongside the proprietary seed business. 
• Co-develop the Winfield United seed business planning process: Partner with sales and marketing leadership to create new seed plans and value propositions. 
• Manage the relationship with strategic seed suppliers: Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with key suppliers to enhance the partner brand seed business. 
• Negotiate yearly seed goals and agreements: Establish yearly volume goals and manage Q4 shipments with seed suppliers.

Marketing Plan and Strategic Initiatives (35%)

• Build tactical plans with strategic suppliers: Develop and implement yearly programs and align on key retail accounts to grow the partner brand seed business alongside Winfield United proprietary brands. 
• Manage programs aligned to the broader WU seed business: Oversee discretionary funds, strategic incentives, and vendor rebates for the partner brand seed business. 
• Innovate to drive incremental seed sales volume: Find new and creative ways to add value for retail owners with partner brand seed sales. Help lead unique business initiatives that partner with strategic retail partners on seed growth programs. 
• Develop co-promotional MarCom tactics: Collaborate with market activation to promote partner brands through the Winfield United system, showcasing Winfield United as the preferred place to buy seed.

Field Alignment (30%)

• Work with agronomic leaders: Develop a WU partner brand seed strategy that supports WU retailers, including seed sales trainings and incentives. 
• Collaborate with field marketing managers and top aligned retail accounts to develop and execute unique seed strategies for growth. 
• Foster alignment between the WU field organization and our partner brand organizations to ensure they effectively work together to capture opportunities. 
• As needed, support Winfield United sales team in the growth of partner brand corn and soybeans within our customers business.

Requirements:

• Ag experience: Minimum of 5 years, preferably with seed experience. 
• Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in agronomy, ag business, marketing, business or related field. MBA preferred. 
• 5+ years of sales/marketing experience in product/portfolio, account and/or P&L management. 
• Creative: Ability to bring innovative ideas to the table. 
• Passion for seed: A strong interest in the seed industry. 
• Understanding of agronomic technologies: Familiarity with modern agronomic practices and technologies. 
• Familiar with ag retail: Knowledge of how agricultural retail works. 
• Strong work ethic and competitive nature: Driven to achieve and excel. 
• Strong execution skills: Ability to implement plans effectively. 
• Ability to think strategically: Strong strategic planning skills. 
• Collaborative: Able to work well within a team.

Additional Requirements:

• Arden Hills, MN; open to Virtual. 
• Ability to travel up to 30% across the Midwest.

The salary range is $120,880 - $181,320.

Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).