Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company that handles agricultural commodities and a diverse portfolio of products and businesses. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
Summary
Grow strong grower partnerships and expand the domestic specialty oilseed supply that supports Perdue AgriBusiness's long-term business objectives. As a Senior Seed Sales & Grower Relations Specialist, you will recruit and retain growers, expand contracted acreage, and lead planting seed sales for organic, non-GMO, and other specialty oilseed programs, including canola and sunflowers. Working under the direction of leadership, you will collaborate with growers, seed suppliers, and internal teams to support a reliable, competitive, and sustainable supply chain. This role is ideal for a relationship-focused agricultural professional who excels at solving problems, coordinating program needs, and turning production opportunities into business results.
Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Report to the Senior Manager, Specialty Grain & Domestic Oilseed Origination, in AgriFoods, with no supervisory responsibilities, and perform duties within established business objectives, policies, and delegated authority, obtaining leadership approval for strategic decisions, contractual commitments, and matters outside that authority.
Recruit new growers and maintain long-term grower relationships to increase participation, retention, and contracted acreage for organic, non-GMO, and specialty oilseeds, including canola and sunflowers, while evaluating new growing regions and developing agricultural partnerships to support annual and long-term growth objectives.
Execute grower contracting initiatives by communicating contract terms, production requirements, delivery commitments, and incentives to achieve established acreage and production volume targets.
Lead planting seed sales and coordination for specialty oilseed programs by independently assessing grower demand, developing forecasts and sales plans, coordinating availability and distribution with suppliers and internal teams, and evaluating pricing, supply, quality, and delivery to recommend competitive, timely solutions.
Lead assigned grower support and program execution as the primary contact for contracted growers by independently evaluating production issues, monitoring crop development and program requirements, coordinating agronomic and technical resources, and providing guidance on organic certification, non-GMO production, traceability, and identity preservation to resolve complex issues and production risks.
Analyze regional crop economics, competing crops, grower premiums, seed technologies, organic and non-GMO markets, and agricultural trends independently to recommend program positioning, incentives, recruitment strategies, and geographic expansion opportunities.
Lead grower outreach and represent specialty oilseed programs at grower meetings, field days, agricultural conferences, and industry events by delivering program messaging, assessing feedback, identifying contracting opportunities, and recommending follow-up strategies to strengthen visibility, engagement, and acreage growth.
Collaborate with leadership and internal teams to establish annual and long-term acreage objectives, execute recruitment plans, monitor contracting progress, and report contracted acreage, new grower recruitment, retention, anticipated production volumes, and performance against objectives.
Coordinate grower deliveries to designated elevators and/or crush facilities as the primary liaison with Supply Chain Management by communicating harvest schedules, production volumes, delivery commitments, and potential disruptions while supporting segregation, traceability, and identity preservation requirements and following established delivery schedules and operational requirements.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership in support of departmental and company objectives.
Minimum Education and Experience
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural sales, seed sales, grain or oilseed origination, grower relations, or specialty crop contracting.
Demonstrated experience developing grower relationships, executing agricultural contracting programs, and supporting business growth.
Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Crop Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience in grower recruitment, contracted acreage expansion, planting seed sales, and agricultural supply chain coordination.
Familiarity with organic, non-GMO, and specialty oilseed production programs is desirable.
Equivalent combinations of education and relevant industry experience will be considered.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors
Operate a motor vehicle and travel to and from grower locations.
Move freely about farms, grain fields, and other agricultural areas.
Work in external weather conditions, including rain, snow, extreme temperatures (-15 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), humidity (0-100%), and noise (50 dB to 100 dB).
Use standard office equipment, including telephones, computers, and copiers.
Lift up to 50 pounds.
Travel overnight as required.
Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
