Manage and lead contract grower relationships while collaboratively engaging with all CF departments to maximize communication and efficiency within and external to the company. Source company-owned and contract production site leads and convert into completed projects that meet CF production flow, financial, and biosecurity needs. Focus on meeting mid and long-term pig space needs to ensure the success of the entire production system. Reinforce and enhance CF's positive reputation within the swine industry and within the communities that CF conducts business.
Major Areas of Responsibility:
Grower Relations / New Business Development / Strategic
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Originate and conclude sufficient leads and/or objectives to meet annual company space needs
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Lead contract renewals ensuring each site is in compliance with current space standards.
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Contribute to the development and refinement of CF's competitive advantage in the market including innovative contract grower compensation arrangements
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Assist in the design, enhancement and diversification of Christensen Farms methods and approaches for procuring production sites
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Help guide strategic planning and innovation of CF's nursery, grow/finish space standards.
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Respond to all sales leads and grower contacts in a timely manner
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Cultivate and expand producer market, including identification of new sites and assessment of existing production sites for inclusion in the CF grower system.
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Responsible for company-owned site procurement, site layout, and permitting process.
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Accurately assess prospective land-owner's or producer's fit into CF's production system.
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Service and manage leads from initial contact through completed construction or acquisition
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Improve, implement and monitor objective producer selection criteria to ensure best fit with CF's culture, system and values.
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Monitor and report to management on key competitor activities and industry trends.
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Work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management and external agencies to maximize performance, problem solving and results.
Contract Administration / Other
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Generate timely file memos related to producer contacts and interactions
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Generate written contract renewal and/or approval recommendations for review by management
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Maintain daily contact logs
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Maintain current knowledge of the county and state ordinances, regulations and codes in regions where CF is active.
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Regularly communicate with other departments and management on industry trends, competition, pro and anti-swine industry activities
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Coordinate with Marketing and the Production Grow/Finish team to forecast producer site needs.
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Gather appropriate financial data on producer leads.
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Participate in identifying critical construction milestones for walk-throughs and inspections of new build sites.
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Actively participate as a member of Business Development Team providing leadership and guidance to production service managers and contract administration team.
Education, Training and Experience Requirements:
Minimum formal education required: BS or BA degree with an agriculture-based major is preferred
Experience:
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5+ years of progressive and varied business management, sales, contract negotiation, real estate, finance, agronomy and/or marketing experience.
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Solid negotiating skill and knowledge to interact effectively with facility owners, 3rd party service providers and government agency representatives.
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Knowledge of and/or experience in swine production is preferred
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Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, and demonstrate adequate computer skills to communicate effectively.
Professional Attributes:
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Ensure ethical and honest representation of Christensen Farms
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Self-motivated with an ability to apply independent judgment in contract negotiation, sales and recruitment process.
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Ability to act responsibly in a fast-paced, changing environment
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Must be highly organized with ability to multi task and set weekly schedules to progress company objectives.
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Strong interpersonal skills including being comfortable and proficient at conflict resolution.
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Display high level of professionalism