Northern Partners Cooperative
Ag Solutions Sales Advisor
Join to apply for the
Ag Solutions Sales Advisor
role at
Northern Partners Cooperative
Pay Range Base pay range is $53,396.02/yr - $133,490.07/yr. Pay is based on skills and experience – talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Rooted in Agriculture, Growing with You Northern Partners Cooperative is seeking a motivated and customer-focused Ag Solutions Sales Advisor with a strong emphasis on seed sales to join our team at our SeedLink Facility near Utica, IL. This role plays a key part in building trusted relationships with area growers by providing seed solutions, crop input recommendations, and exceptional service that drives farm success throughout the season and beyond.
Position Overview The Ag Solutions Sales Advisor is responsible for developing and maintaining strong customer relationships while promoting the full range of products and services offered by Northern Partners Cooperative. The Advisor works closely with customers to understand their operational goals, provide tailored recommendations, and ensure they have access to the right products, services, and expertise to achieve success.
Essential Functions
Sales Expertise
– Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy that encompasses seed products, crop protection, plant nutrition, precision agriculture technologies, and value-added solutions from other cooperative departments.
Customer Relationship Management & Service
– Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with customers, partners, and key stakeholders by providing attentive, personalized service.
Team Collaboration & Operational Support
– Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align sales strategies with marketing initiatives, product development, and overall cooperative objectives.
Prevention
– Conduct regular field scouting to monitor crop growth, identify potential pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, and coordinate timely management recommendations.
Marketing Analysis
– Collaborate with management and team members to set annual sales and gross margin objectives that align with cooperative goals.
Other
– Contributes to additional company and team efforts, projects and initiatives as needed. Other duties as assigned.
Experience & Education
Required
– High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred
– Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Valid Driver’s License – Must have a current, unrestricted driver’s license with a clean driving record, as regular travel within the territory is required.
Pesticide Applicator License – State-specific license for applying crop protection products.
Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) – Demonstrates agronomic expertise and credibility with customers.
Other relevant agricultural certifications – Any certifications related to seed, crop nutrition, or precision agriculture technologies.
Commercial Driver’s License – Class A CDL with HAZMAT, tanker, and airbrake endorsements required.
Minimum Experience – 1-3 years of sales, customer service, or agricultural-related experience – preferably involving seed, crop inputs, or other farm supply products.
Preferred Experience – 3-5 years of progressive sales or account management experience in agriculture, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals.
Skills
Thorough knowledge of agricultural products, including seed, crop protection, plant nutrition, and related cooperative offerings.
Understanding of crop production practices, pest and nutrient management, and agronomic principles.
Familiarity with sales and marketing principles, customer relationship management, and territory management.
Awareness of industry trends, competitor products, and market dynamics.
Knowledge of safe handling practices for agricultural products.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers, colleagues, and management.
Strong sales and negotiation skills, including the ability to identify opportunities and close sales effectively.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM or sales tracking systems.
Time management and organizational skills to manage a large customer territory efficiently.
Problem‑solving skills to provide practical solutions to customer challenges.
Ability to develop and maintain strong customer relationships and build trust with stakeholders.
Ability to travel regularly within the assigned territory and conduct on-site visits in a variety of environmental conditions.
Ability to analyze field and trial data and translate findings into actionable recommendations for customers.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams.
Ability to provide coaching or training to team members or interns when required.
Environmental Conditions & Physical Demands – Considerable Physical Exertion
Work is performed in both office and outdoor agricultural field settings.
Must be able to travel frequently within assigned territories, including driving personal or company vehicles.
Work may occur outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain.
Ability to sit for extended periods while driving or using a computer, and stand or walk during customer visits, field demonstrations, and operational activities.
Occasional exposure to dust, pollen, crop chemicals, noisy conditions and other agricultural products; proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and required when applicable.
Interaction with farm equipment and machinery under standard safety protocols.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items up to 25–50 pounds occasionally, such as product samples, training materials, or equipment.
Must be able to bend, stoop, and twist frequently when handling products, inspecting fields or equipment, and performing operational tasks.
Must be able to walk across fields, climb ladders or steps when inspecting equipment or facilities, and perform physical activities associated with product demonstrations or operational support.
Ability to operate computers, mobile devices, and office equipment accurately. Ability to handle product packaging and operate basic field tools when necessary.
Ability to read labels, reports, and product specifications; recognize field conditions and equipment indicators.
Must adhere to all safety, health, environmental, and quality protocols. Required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary and follow safe handling procedures for agricultural chemicals and fuel products.
Ability to distinguish, with a degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in intensity or quality odors, or recognizing particular odors, using nose.
Ability to work extended hours, weekend, holidays and/or alternate shifts as needed.
Uses near, far, and peripheral vision and depth perception for task(s) being performed.
Benefits
3 Health Insurance plan options with prescription benefits
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
2 Dental Plan options (base plan at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
Vision Plan (at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
Company Paid Group Life & AD&D
Supplemental Life & AD&D (employee & dependents)
Company paid Short-Term Disability
Supplemental Short-Term/Long Term Disability
Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
Defined Benefit Co-op Retirement Pension Plan
$250.00 yearly Clothing Reimbursement allowance
Paid Time Off (PTO) – Vacation, Personal Days, and Sick time
9.5 paid Holidays
Additional benefits – paid bereavement, paid jury duty, Family Medical Leave (FMLA), paid maternity/paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer day, wellness program, profit sharing, employee assistance program, company paid learning courses, LifeMart discount program, plus so much more!
About the Company As a homegrown, locally owned full‑service cooperative, Northern Partners Cooperative has been rooted in the community from the very beginning. Our goal is to continually work to grow customer value and cooperative strength within the community we all share. Located in Northern Illinois, we have 10 locations throughout La Salle and Bureau County offering products, services, and expertise that focus grain, agronomy, energy, and seed.
Northern Partners Cooperative offers opportunities for passionate individuals looking to unlock a greater value for the future of agriculture and our communities. We know that a business or farming operation requires hard work and dedication and that's why we take pride in having knowledgeable, hardworking team members that are dedicated to being our most valued partner; helping us to reach new levels of success.
Core Values
Honesty and integrity in all our relationships
Focus on our people and their ability to contribute to the success of NPC
Foster a culture where innovative solutions thrive
Commitment to safety, quality, and service to our employees and member owners
Commitment to our communities
Equal Opportunity Employer Northern Partners Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law. All information provided will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Your application must reflect that you possess the required qualifications for the position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, physical and environmental demands but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.
No agencies or 3rd party vendors.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Sales and Business Development
Non‑profit Organizations, Hospitals and Health Care, and Medical Practices
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Ag Solutions Sales Advisor
role at
Northern Partners Cooperative
Pay Range Base pay range is $53,396.02/yr - $133,490.07/yr. Pay is based on skills and experience – talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Rooted in Agriculture, Growing with You Northern Partners Cooperative is seeking a motivated and customer-focused Ag Solutions Sales Advisor with a strong emphasis on seed sales to join our team at our SeedLink Facility near Utica, IL. This role plays a key part in building trusted relationships with area growers by providing seed solutions, crop input recommendations, and exceptional service that drives farm success throughout the season and beyond.
Position Overview The Ag Solutions Sales Advisor is responsible for developing and maintaining strong customer relationships while promoting the full range of products and services offered by Northern Partners Cooperative. The Advisor works closely with customers to understand their operational goals, provide tailored recommendations, and ensure they have access to the right products, services, and expertise to achieve success.
Essential Functions
Sales Expertise
– Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy that encompasses seed products, crop protection, plant nutrition, precision agriculture technologies, and value-added solutions from other cooperative departments.
Customer Relationship Management & Service
– Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with customers, partners, and key stakeholders by providing attentive, personalized service.
Team Collaboration & Operational Support
– Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align sales strategies with marketing initiatives, product development, and overall cooperative objectives.
Prevention
– Conduct regular field scouting to monitor crop growth, identify potential pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, and coordinate timely management recommendations.
Marketing Analysis
– Collaborate with management and team members to set annual sales and gross margin objectives that align with cooperative goals.
Other
– Contributes to additional company and team efforts, projects and initiatives as needed. Other duties as assigned.
Experience & Education
Required
– High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred
– Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Valid Driver’s License – Must have a current, unrestricted driver’s license with a clean driving record, as regular travel within the territory is required.
Pesticide Applicator License – State-specific license for applying crop protection products.
Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) – Demonstrates agronomic expertise and credibility with customers.
Other relevant agricultural certifications – Any certifications related to seed, crop nutrition, or precision agriculture technologies.
Commercial Driver’s License – Class A CDL with HAZMAT, tanker, and airbrake endorsements required.
Minimum Experience – 1-3 years of sales, customer service, or agricultural-related experience – preferably involving seed, crop inputs, or other farm supply products.
Preferred Experience – 3-5 years of progressive sales or account management experience in agriculture, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals.
Skills
Thorough knowledge of agricultural products, including seed, crop protection, plant nutrition, and related cooperative offerings.
Understanding of crop production practices, pest and nutrient management, and agronomic principles.
Familiarity with sales and marketing principles, customer relationship management, and territory management.
Awareness of industry trends, competitor products, and market dynamics.
Knowledge of safe handling practices for agricultural products.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers, colleagues, and management.
Strong sales and negotiation skills, including the ability to identify opportunities and close sales effectively.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM or sales tracking systems.
Time management and organizational skills to manage a large customer territory efficiently.
Problem‑solving skills to provide practical solutions to customer challenges.
Ability to develop and maintain strong customer relationships and build trust with stakeholders.
Ability to travel regularly within the assigned territory and conduct on-site visits in a variety of environmental conditions.
Ability to analyze field and trial data and translate findings into actionable recommendations for customers.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams.
Ability to provide coaching or training to team members or interns when required.
Environmental Conditions & Physical Demands – Considerable Physical Exertion
Work is performed in both office and outdoor agricultural field settings.
Must be able to travel frequently within assigned territories, including driving personal or company vehicles.
Work may occur outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain.
Ability to sit for extended periods while driving or using a computer, and stand or walk during customer visits, field demonstrations, and operational activities.
Occasional exposure to dust, pollen, crop chemicals, noisy conditions and other agricultural products; proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and required when applicable.
Interaction with farm equipment and machinery under standard safety protocols.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items up to 25–50 pounds occasionally, such as product samples, training materials, or equipment.
Must be able to bend, stoop, and twist frequently when handling products, inspecting fields or equipment, and performing operational tasks.
Must be able to walk across fields, climb ladders or steps when inspecting equipment or facilities, and perform physical activities associated with product demonstrations or operational support.
Ability to operate computers, mobile devices, and office equipment accurately. Ability to handle product packaging and operate basic field tools when necessary.
Ability to read labels, reports, and product specifications; recognize field conditions and equipment indicators.
Must adhere to all safety, health, environmental, and quality protocols. Required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary and follow safe handling procedures for agricultural chemicals and fuel products.
Ability to distinguish, with a degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in intensity or quality odors, or recognizing particular odors, using nose.
Ability to work extended hours, weekend, holidays and/or alternate shifts as needed.
Uses near, far, and peripheral vision and depth perception for task(s) being performed.
Benefits
3 Health Insurance plan options with prescription benefits
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
2 Dental Plan options (base plan at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
Vision Plan (at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
Company Paid Group Life & AD&D
Supplemental Life & AD&D (employee & dependents)
Company paid Short-Term Disability
Supplemental Short-Term/Long Term Disability
Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
Defined Benefit Co-op Retirement Pension Plan
$250.00 yearly Clothing Reimbursement allowance
Paid Time Off (PTO) – Vacation, Personal Days, and Sick time
9.5 paid Holidays
Additional benefits – paid bereavement, paid jury duty, Family Medical Leave (FMLA), paid maternity/paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer day, wellness program, profit sharing, employee assistance program, company paid learning courses, LifeMart discount program, plus so much more!
About the Company As a homegrown, locally owned full‑service cooperative, Northern Partners Cooperative has been rooted in the community from the very beginning. Our goal is to continually work to grow customer value and cooperative strength within the community we all share. Located in Northern Illinois, we have 10 locations throughout La Salle and Bureau County offering products, services, and expertise that focus grain, agronomy, energy, and seed.
Northern Partners Cooperative offers opportunities for passionate individuals looking to unlock a greater value for the future of agriculture and our communities. We know that a business or farming operation requires hard work and dedication and that's why we take pride in having knowledgeable, hardworking team members that are dedicated to being our most valued partner; helping us to reach new levels of success.
Core Values
Honesty and integrity in all our relationships
Focus on our people and their ability to contribute to the success of NPC
Foster a culture where innovative solutions thrive
Commitment to safety, quality, and service to our employees and member owners
Commitment to our communities
Equal Opportunity Employer Northern Partners Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law. All information provided will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Your application must reflect that you possess the required qualifications for the position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, physical and environmental demands but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.
No agencies or 3rd party vendors.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Sales and Business Development
Non‑profit Organizations, Hospitals and Health Care, and Medical Practices
#J-18808-Ljbffr