Overview

Account managers act as a liaison for their employer and specific managed accounts (customers). Depending on the organization they work for, they are assigned to handle agricultural suppliers, dealers, producers or other clients. They provide updates regarding production, assist with purchases and suggest new products and services that would benefit clients. It is essential they develop and maintain relationships with their customers so that they will continue using their company for business.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Develop and maintain productive and professional relationships with assigned customer accounts
• Communicate with customers on order status, price changes and product discrepancies
• Set and achieve organizational goals and objectives
• Meet with clients to support and grow sales volumes
• Stay aware of industry trends and changes
• Draft sale and purchase contracts for respective parties
• Provide basic, technical support for products
• Act as a liaison for customers with operations and purchasing
• Schedule work and allocate resources to ensure orders are fulfilled in an efficient manner
• Recognize new opportunities within each account
• Help in the development of new products for a company
• Develop reports and presentations describing the performance data of a product or service
• Provide educational training to accounts through seminars and trade events
• Investigate news sales opportunities
• Develop expert knowledge on company products and services
• Respond promptly to client complaints

What education and training is required?

An associate or bachelor's degree in agricultural business or an agricultural major that relates to the product you are representing (i.e., agronomy, animal, poultry, horticulture, etc.) is required.

To pursue a career as an Account Manager:

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, business, personal finance, mathematics and English.

Where can I work?

Account managers can be found at all sized agricultural companies, especially commodity supply companies, seed production companies, chemical and fertilizer distributors, animal processing companies, food processing companies, health companies and equipment dealerships. There are also some opportunities to be self-employed.

Future Job Market / Outlook

Excellent

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Agricultural Retailers Association
• National Agri-Marketing Association
• Strategic Account Management Association