Project Manager

KWS is looking for a Project Manager who will execute and launch the new KWS Cover+TM Soil Protection Program into the cover crop market across the US and Canada. To ensure the success of this program, the Project Manager will work with key stakeholders internally as well as externally.

 

The Project Manager must understand the cover crop industry and identify and build opportunities for the KWS Cover+TM program within this industry. The Project Manager must work closely with sales and marketing teams to support company objectives that impact the cover crop market.  

 

Essential Job Functions:

• Achieve annual business and sales targets
• Act as the primary contact to the cover crop industry and network with Federal and State leaders and regulators; key industry influencers including researchers, extensionists, food processors, producer groups and farmers
• Monitor cover crop trends and activities, collect, and analyze various market data to identify opportunities and challenges impacting the KWS soil protection program
• Gather data and or research information to support the economic benefits of the soil protection program for participants in the soil sustainability value chain
• Coordinate soil protection research trials as needed within the regions of interest and communicate results throughout the industry and within the company
• Introduce new business by identifying and generating new collaborative accounts
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to develop and communicate messaging and materials to support the N/A soil protection business
  • Drive and create interest for farmers by demonstrate the benefits of using the KWS soil protection program in articles, testimonials, presentations, training sessions and special events
• Coordinate, and manage US KWS soil protection program partner contracts on behalf of Canada and USA colleagues to ensure:
  • Strong relationships between KWS and KWS Partners
  • Support of program objectives via training
  • Advertising and communication consistent with KWS message and word marks
  • Reconciliation of annual contract including purchases, sales, payments and customer data collection
  • Ensure Agreement compliance with random audits
• Coordinate and communicate regularly with both KWS North American businesses, Canada and USA, to ensure open knowledge of information and processes to maximize and streamline the KWS Cover+TM business
  • Regular communication with Canadian and US Business Managers
  • Annual business review with KWS Canadian soil protection License Partners selling to the USA
• Coordinate and manage North American Grower enforcement and audits with third party audit firm
• Manage, maintain and optimize customer/stakeholder data in a CRM database
• Support other company objectives that impact the KWS soil protection market including hybrid rye sales required to produce KWS Cover+TM product
• Effectively cooperate and positively integrate as a member of the team to achieve company objectives
• Prepare and manage a budget
• Ensure the Company handbook, Rules, Guidelines and Procedures and safety policies are followed, and personal protective equipment is used correctly
• Meet attendance requirements
• Travel and/or drive on behalf of the business 25-40% of the time, including to Canada a few weeks/year
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS or equivalent in Agriculture or related fields (i.e. Business, Agronomy, etc.) with professional experience; or minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in crop improvement and commercial practices |Ability to travel to Canada
• Strong computer, analytical and creative skills
• Valid driver’s license

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree in related field with related experience
• Located in the Midwest with easy access to an international airport
• Experience in budget and leadership skills
• Project management experience
• Successful in working with diverse teams
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication skills, verbal, written and presentation skills
• Critical and logical thinking skills

• Ability to travel internationally

 

What We Offer:

• Health, dental, vision benefits

• Pension plan and 401(k) with employer match

• Flexible paid time off (PTO)

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Professional training and development opportunities

• An international and diverse team

 

Working Environment:

May