Technical Service Manager

Summary

FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company focused on developing crop protection technologies and agricultural solutions. The Technical Service Manager provides technical support for a designated region, collaborating with sales, marketing, regulatory, product development, universities, and external agricultural stakeholders. The role manages research testing, training, product demonstrations, technical communications, complaint support, and regional agronomic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strong technical knowledge of commercial agriculture, new technologies and competitive chemistries & positioning impacting the business
• Build strong working relationships with university extension personnel and other important influencers in the territory
• Leverage connections to ensure they are adequately prepared to recommend FMC products upon launch and that FMC and our products are represented fairly in publications and in live field and industry events
• Manage, implement & supervise research testing funds and influence trial plans through the grant-in-aid (GIA) budget that are aligned with regional sales and marketing objectives
• Develop, execute & supervise appropriate support activities aligned with key initiatives as outlined in the annual FMC Goals and Objectives
• Work hand in hand with Product Development teammates to ensure testing programs are aligned with market trends and upcoming development projects as launch time approaches
• Manage expenses, service to sales dollars & product demo budget consistent & aligned with key regional initiatives
• Provide technical product training & give regional guidance on complaint handling and assist Field Sales Representatives (FSRs) in complaint calls where necessary for agronomic expertise, problem diagnosis, and input on resolution
• Develop various training modules and provide technical consulting and training to internal and external groups, focusing on new product launches
• Provide necessary proof of validation using sound data and information for label updates and amendments and assist regulatory department with label use instructions
• Produce sales tools such as newsletters, technical recommendation sheets and other sales collateral
• Carefully review, edit and approve technical, sales, marketing and or advertising communications
• Continue to strengthen the communication between other regional technical support groups and internal functional groups

Skills

• MS in Entomology, Plant Pathology/Physiology, Weed Science, Agronomy or other agricultural/related science or equivalent experience
• 2-5 years of experience in technical support, selling chemical crop protection, seed or agronomy services
• Excellent speaking, writing, and computer skills
• Working knowledge of ARM
• Capability to design protocols and research projects that creatively and effectively demonstrate the features and benefits of agronomic inputs
• Proven ability to effectively summarize technically complex information to an audience with more limited technical expertise
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively under pressure, navigate contentious situations and resolve conflict
• Ability to build, sustain and service strong business relationships with customers, agronomy staff of key retail accounts, and teammates
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions under minimum supervision, partners with leadership on decisions of a complex nature
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions of a complex through independent judgment and creativity
• Demonstrated ability to effectively negotiate with customers, teammates and management
• Experience leading projects or special assignment involving work outside the area/region with little guidance
• Experience as a valuable technical resource to others within the sales organization
• PhD preferred
• Certified Crop Advisor or equivalent certification desired

Qualifications

Must Haves

• MS in Entomology, Plant Pathology/Physiology, Weed Science, Agronomy or other agricultural/related science or equivalent experience
• 2-5 years of experience in technical support, selling chemical crop protection, seed or agronomy services
• Excellent speaking, writing, and computer skills
• Working knowledge of ARM
• Capability to design protocols and research projects that creatively and effectively demonstrate the features and benefits of agronomic inputs
• Proven ability to effectively summarize technically complex information to an audience with more limited technical expertise
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively under pressure, navigate contentious situations and resolve conflict
• Ability to build, sustain and service strong business relationships with customers, agronomy staff of key retail accounts, and teammates
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions under minimum supervision, partners with leadership on decisions of a complex nature
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions of a complex through independent judgment and creativity
• Demonstrated ability to effectively negotiate with customers, teammates and management
• Experience leading projects or special assignment involving work outside the area/region with little guidance
• Experience as a valuable technical resource to others within the sales organization

Nice to Haves

• PhD preferred
• Certified Crop Advisor or equivalent certification desired

Benefits

• Virtual/remote work arrangement