Business Development Manager, Crop Science

Company Description
We are SGS the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 97,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will identify and pursue Business Opportunities with current and new clients for Crop Science (greenhouse, soil, seed, feed).

• Build and manage Crop Science “sales pipeline”.
• Maintain and build relationships with current and new accounts.
• Meet sales (revenue) within targets and contribute to profitability (LC)
• Participate in “weekly” management calls with the Business Development Director, Crop Science and Director, Crop Science.
• Manage sales and marketing resources, with compliance to brand, social media, Integrity and Golden rule guidelines.
• Identify business risks
• Build and execute client interaction strategies
• Participate in arranging and hosting current client and prospective client visits to all Canadian locations.
• Promote SGS’ brand and service listings in a way which will further the company’s objectives.
• Effectively identify new prospects, new markets and new services.
• Anticipate and resolve potential client problems.
• Ensure that any client complaints are forwarded to the appropriate individual(s) and ultimately resolved in a prompt and professional manner.

Specific Responsibilities

• Participates in and implements campaigns and strategies to promote the sale of the SGS divisional services.
• Prepare and submit timely and accurate reports of sales activities (e.g. client visits/calls, information)).
• Pursues opportunities to expand Company profile and client relationships.
• May be assigned special or related ad hoc projects from time-to-time within the company.
• Prepares client quotes, service agreements, proposals, responses to RFS, RFP’s or tenders using SGS Pricing Strategies within set deadlines ensuring professional submission of all information as requested by clients and with proper collaboration of inside SGS sales support to ensure that project scope, schedules and budgets are accurately planned, monitored, communicated and met.
• Report on developments in the market place and competitor activities (market intelligence).
• Prepare individual sales plans with goals/objectives: Identify, research, plan and contact potential and existing clients to maintain and establish new business to achieve targeted revenue growth.
• Participates in cross-selling initiatives and generates cross selling opportunities with other business lines were applicable.
• Follow the sales full cycle from lead generations, customer relations, through to close.
• Accountable for meeting annually established sales and profitability targets within approved expense budgets and for assigned territories.
• Working with all sales support groups (Marketing, Communications, Inside Sales/Client Services) to support initiatives and lead generation.
• Provide accurate forecasts and pipelines on a regular basis (monthly, annually).
• Secure closure on all proposals and is responsible for follow up with clients after project closure.
• Prospect for new customers and business opportunities using the internet, phone, cold calling, conferences, trade shows and personal visits.
• Present and represents SGS at Trade Shows and Conferences to build SGS brand awareness and broaden the market and client base.

Qualifications
PROFILE

• Bilingualism: French/English
• Education: Post secondary degree in Agriculture or Agriculture Business
• Experience:10 years of related agricultural sales and/or business development experience
• Experience: 5 years of Ontario/Quebec business and/or production experience in greenhouse and agricultural field operations.

Required Skills

• Forecasting skills.
• Creative, innovative and client focussed.
• Ability to work well with others & independently.
• Must be able to read, understand and follow work instructions in a safe, accurate and timely manner.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Ensures full compliance with the company’s Health & Safety, Code of Integrity, and Professional Conduct policies.
• Must be a self motivator and self starter.
• Candidates must be proficient in using various types of computer software (Word, Excel. PowerPoint, Teams, & Outlook) including sales tracking tools (i.e. CRM), social media, plus the ability to quickly learn internal software such as online client portals, laboratory software, training portals and others.
• Business acumen.
• Works well under pressure.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.
• Candidates must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills including grammar and composition.
• Proven time management skills and a strong attention to detail.
• Expert knowledge of the business line services.
• Bilingualism (French/English) where required.
• Demonstrate diplomacy and networking skills.
• Knowledge of Crop Science testing market.
• Ability to demonstrate customer centric selling techniques.

Additional Information
SGS Canada is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to achieving greater accessibility by providing accommodation for people with disabilities during our hiring process. Accommodations are available on request for qualified candidates during each stage of the recruitment process.
Please note that candidates applying for Canadian job openings should be authorized to work in Canada.