Agricultural Sales Leader

Grissan Renewable Energy
Lebanon, KY

Send resume to hrqueriesus@grissan.com

JOB SPECIFICATION

Job title: Agricultural Sales Leader

Reporting to: US General Manager

Location: Lebanon, KY and Bardstown, KY

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Grissan Renewable Energy is a Global Leader in the development and operation of renewable fuel production facilities that convert whiskey distillery waste products into clean, renewable energy and sustainable agricultural fertilizers.  Grissan’s track record includes more than a decade of successful deployment of its technology in Scotland, where Scotch whisky distillery byproducts are transformed into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizers.  This same model now serves as the foundation for the U.S. operations, where Grissan will deploy its proven technology as a solution to the bourbon industry’s organic waste stream challenges, while contributing to rural economic growth.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

Do you enjoy building relationships, supporting regenerative farming practices, and being part of a business that is changing the future of agriculture and renewable energy?

As the Agronomist Sales Leader for Grissan Renewable Energy, you will play a pivotal role in launching and growing the market for Vitagrow™, our premium organically derived fertilizer product.  This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-growing company at the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and renewable energy.

Whether you come from an established fertilizer sales background with strong agronomic expertise, or you are a highly respected local agronomist looking to expand into a commercial leadership role, we want to hear from you.

Your mission will be to develop trusted relationships with farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives, retailers, consultants, and landowners while building the distribution network required to successfully deploy Vitagrow™ across Central Kentucky.

You will serve as both a technical advisor and business developer—helping customers improve soil health, crop productivity, and sustainability while creating long-term value for Grissan and our agricultural partners.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being in the field, solving problems, meeting new people, fostering existing relationships, and helping build something from the ground up.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Market Development & Sales

• Lead the commercial launch and growth of Vitagrow™ fertilizer products across Kentucky and surrounding markets.
• Develop and execute a sales strategy to achieve annual volume, revenue, and margin targets.
• Identify, establish, and grow relationships with:
  • Farmers
  • Agronomy retailers
  • Cooperatives
  • Crop consultants
  • Custom applicators
  • Livestock operations
  • Agricultural distributors
• Generate new business opportunities through networking, referrals, field visits, demonstrations, and industry events.
• Negotiate and execute commercial agreements with customers and distribution partners.
• Develop long-term customer relationships built on trust, service, and agronomic value.

Agronomy & Technical Support

• Serve as a technical resource on soil fertility, crop nutrition, nutrient management, and regenerative farming practices.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with university, extension agents, agricultural researchers, and other academic institutions.
• Educate customers on the benefits and application of Vitagrow™ products.
• Collaborate on field trials, nutrient management studies, and research programs to continuously improve understanding of Vitagrow™ performance across various crops, soils, and farming systems.
• Assist customers with nutrient management planning and fertilizer recommendations.
• Conduct field evaluations and review crop performance data.
• Work with growers to demonstrate economic and agronomic benefits
• Stay informed on evolving agronomic trends, regulations, and best practices.
• Serve as a key link between growers, researchers, and Grissan to ensure continuous improvement of Vitagrow™ products and application practices.

Distribution Network Development

• Build and manage a network of distribution, storage, hauling, and application partners.
• Identify opportunities to expand market reach through strategic partnerships.
• Coordinate with logistics providers to ensure reliable product delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Support development of regional storage and distribution infrastructure as business growth requires.
• Work closely with Grissan operations teams to align customer demand with product availability.

Customer Experience & Relationship Management

• Become a trusted advisor within the agricultural community.
• Represent Grissan at farm meetings, trade shows, field days, grower events, and industry conferences.
• Maintain regular contact with key customers and strategic accounts.
• Ensure customer concerns are resolved quickly and professionally.
• Gather market intelligence and communicate customer feedback to leadership.

Business Planning & Reporting

• Develop sales forecasts and market development plans.
• Maintain CRM records and customer activity reports.
• Monitor sales performance against targets and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide monthly updates on pipeline development, customer engagement, market trends, and commercial performance.
• Support annual budgeting and strategic planning activities.

Startup & Growth Mindset

• Embrace the excitement and challenges of a growing business.
• Help shape commercial processes, systems, and best practices.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Leadership teams.
• Be willing to wear multiple hats and contribute wherever needed to support business success.

KEY SKILLS

• Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
• Passion for agriculture and helping farmers succeed.
• Knowledge of soil fertility, crop nutrition, and agronomic practices.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to explain technical concepts in a practical and understandable way.
• Commercially minded with strong negotiation skills.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently.
• Strong organizational and territory management capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and CRM systems.
• Ability to analyze agronomic and commercial data.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building new opportunities.
• High integrity, honesty, and professionalism.

EXPERIENCE

We welcome candidates from either of two backgrounds:

Path 1 – Fertilizer Sales Professional

• 5+ years of fertilizer, crop input, seed, crop protection, agronomy retail, or agricultural sales experience.
• Demonstrated success developing customer relationships and achieving sales targets.
• Strong understanding of crop production and nutrient management.

Path 2 – Respected Agronomist Ready for a Commercial Role

• Agronomy experience serving growers and agricultural producers.
• Established reputation and trusted relationships within the local agricultural community.
• Strong desire to develop business relationships and transition into a sales-focused role.
• Proven ability to influence grower decisions through technical expertise and trust.

Preferred Experience

• Fertilizer or nutrient management experience.
• Knowledge of Anaerobic Digestion and benefits to crop health
• Understanding of regenerative agriculture and soil health practices.
• Knowledge of nutrient application equipment and logistics.
• Existing relationships within Kentucky agriculture.
• Experience supporting field trials and demonstration programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• Degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, Plant Science, Agricultural Business, or related field OR equivalent agricultural industry experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively throughout the territory.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) designation.
• Additional agronomic certifications.
• Experience in fertilizer, soil health, nutrient management, or agricultural consulting.

GRISSAN PRINCIPLES & BEHAVIOURS:

It’s not just about what we do but how we do it. Below are Grissan’s 4 key principles & behaviors. We actively encourage all who work for Grissan to engage with & demonstrate these on a daily basis. They provide guidance to support us in working together as one team. Working this way, we will be continually improving to ensure that we stay ahead of our competition.

CORE SPIRIT

(CO – Collaborative; RE S – Responsible; PI – Pioneering; T – Talented)

COLLABORATIVE

Working together to share knowledge across the Grissan Family; no silos, no fences but bridges and open minds. We all have a part to play, working within our own teams and collaborating across teams. We encourage partnership style working throughout all functions allowing us to combine knowledge, skills and expertise. We use our whole talent pool to overcome everyday challenges and achieve our goals.

RESPONSIBLE

We take personal responsibility for ensuring that Health & Safety excellence and protecting the environment are embedded in everything we do. We do what we say we will, when we say we will do it and we take responsibility and ownership. We are trustworthy (honest and true to ourselves and all those we work with). We are respectful –treating each other as we would want to be treated. We acknowledge the benefits of confidentiality and protecting our innovations and ideas to ensure that Grissan always maintains its competitive advantage.

PIONEERING

We encourage thinking and behavior that differentiates us from our competition. We openly and respectfully challenge thought processes, we ‘think outside the box’ and we always share innovative ideas and good practice across our teams. We continue to lead the way in developing our technologies to deliver a sustainable, low carbon future – with a vision to be the world’s largest biogas company.

TALENTED

We use our knowledge, experience and skills to the best of our ability to ensure we all deliver to the highest standards in our own roles. We utilize the ‘hidden talents’ that we might possess for the wider interests of Grissan. In return, appreciation will be shown through recognition, reward, training & development and opportunities to progress within the Grissan family.