Inside Sales and Agronomy Customer Support responsibility is to drive revenue growth and customer satisfaction through consultative inside sales and high-level agronomic support. This role focuses on building and strengthening customer relationships primarily through phone, email, and digital communication channels. Responsibilities include supporting existing accounts, developing new business opportunities, providing technical agronomic guidance, and ensuring a superior customer experience. This position plays a key role in growing sample volume and revenue by combining agronomic expertise with proactive account management and inside sales strategies. 

Essential Job Results:

Inside Sales & Account Development Responsibilities

• Drive revenue growth by managing inbound and outbound sales activities via phone, email, CRM platforms, and virtual meetings.
• Proactively identify organic growth opportunities within existing accounts to increase sample volume and revenue.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with current customers to encourage retention and long-term loyalty.
• Respond to and follow up on quotes, inquiries, and leads with accuracy and urgency.
• Utilize CRM systems to track customer interactions, sales activity, pipeline progress, and follow-ups.
• Identify new market opportunities and contribute to inside sales strategies aligned with company goals.
• Support marketing campaigns by communicating promotions, seasonal testing programs, and service updates to customers.
• Maintain consistent outreach to dormant or underutilized accounts to re-engage business.

Account and Customer Support Responsibilities

• Provide professional agronomic guidance related to soil, soil health, plant tissue, slurry, manure, feed, forage, fertilizer, and water testing.
• Assist customers in understanding lab results and making informed management decisions.
• Serve as a technical resource for customers, answering questions and recommending appropriate testing packages.
• Resolve customer service issues by identifying root causes, explaining solutions clearly, and following through to ensure satisfaction.
• Work with Accounts Receivable to assist with outstanding invoices and collection activities.
• Collaborate with Lab Manager, Department Supervisors, and Sample Processing to ensure projects are communicated effectively and deadlines are met.
• Ensure quality, clarity, and accuracy in all customer communications.

Internal & Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with laboratory leadership to anticipate seasonal volume and customer needs.
• Provide feedback from customers to internal teams to improve service offerings and processes.
• Participate in internal planning to improve efficiency, communication, and customer experience.
• Support digital marketing efforts by contributing agronomic insights and customer-focused messaging.

Success Factors

• Strong consultative selling skills with the ability to build trust remotely.
• Solid agronomic knowledge with the ability to communicate technical information clearly and confidently.
• High level of responsiveness and customer focus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple accounts and deadlines.
• Strategic thinker who understands both the science of agriculture and the business needs of customers.
• Proficient in CRM systems and customer management tools.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic aligned with the mission and values of Ward Laboratories.

Specific Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Ag-Business, or related field.
• 1–3 years of inside sales, account management, or agricultural industry experience.
• Current CCA or willingness to obtain CCA certification.
• Strong computer proficiency and comfort with CRM platforms and digital communication tools.
• Ability to work effectively in an office-based or hybrid environment.
• Limited travel may be required for occasional training or strategic meetings (conference attendance not primary responsibility).
• Maintains the highest level of professionalism in all communications and interactions.

No Ward Laboratories employee shall practice, condone, facilitate or collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, or any other protected condition or status. Employees will be expected to be sensitive and responsive to cultural and other differences in the people they work with and serve.