Ward Laboratories, Inc.
Relationship Manager–Account Development & Agronomy Support
Ward Laboratories, Inc., Kearney, Nebraska, United States, 68847
Description
This position combines territory sales, account development, and agronomy support. The Relationship Manager is responsible for Growing sample volume and revenue within a defined territory, Building and maintaining strong customer and partner relationships, providing agronomic guidance and sampling education, ensuring exceptional customer experience from first contact through results, and acting as a field ambassador for Ward Labs at events, trade shows, and community activities
Territory Sales & Account Development
Grow the assigned territory by increasing sample volume and revenue with new and existing customers.
Conduct regular on-farm and in-office visits with:
Farmers and ranchers,
Crop consultants and independent agronomists
Co-ops, retailers
Ag service providers
Custom manure/slurry applicators and wastewater operators
Identify and pursue new markets and underserved customer segments.
Execute a strategic territory sales plan that aligns with Ward Labs’ growth objectives.
Conduct follow-up after sample results to support customers and strengthen loyalty.
Track activity, leads, and opportunities using CRM tools.
Internal Collaboration & Quality Support
Regularly review seasonal sampling volume with the HR Business Manager to prepare for workload fluctuations.
Coordinate with the Lab Manager, department supervisors, and sample processing team to ensure communication of customer needs and project deadlines.
Ensure quotes and customer inquiries are handled accurately, promptly, and according to established procedures.
Help resolve customer concerns by investigating issues, identifying solutions, and following up to ensure satisfaction.
Provide feedback to lab leadership on recurring issues, customer needs, and opportunities for process improvements.
Marketing, Community Engagement & Public Relations
Participate in marketing campaigns, product promotions, and customer outreach programs.
Represent Ward Labs at:
Conferences
Field days
Trade shows
Community events
Maintain the highest level of professionalism and act as a positive brand ambassador.
Support PR efforts by engaging with local stakeholders, ag organizations, and partner agencies.
Success Factors
Strong leadership and self-management, with the ability to independently operate a large territory.
Excellent interpersonal communication across diverse personalities, with integrity and honesty.
Strategic thinker who understands agricultural testing markets and can align scientific concepts with business needs.
Positive attitude and strong work ethic within the culture, values, and mission of Ward Laboratories.
Detail-oriented but capable of maintaining a broader perspective.
Highly organized, managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and customer interactions simultaneously.
Proficiency with CRM systems and lead management tools.
Requirements Qualifications Required
Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Ag-Business, or related field
1–3 years of experience in agriculture or sales/account management
Familiarity with farming and ranching practices
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Willingness to travel frequently (both day and overnight trips)
Professional appearance and conduct
Preferred
CCA certification (or willingness to obtain)
Previous experience with agricultural lab services, fertilizer/crop consulting, or agronomy sales
Existing network within the central U.S. ag industry
Ability to explain soil health tests, manure analysis, plant tissue reports, and water quality testing at a high level
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Territory Sales & Account Development
Grow the assigned territory by increasing sample volume and revenue with new and existing customers.
Conduct regular on-farm and in-office visits with:
Farmers and ranchers,
Crop consultants and independent agronomists
Co-ops, retailers
Ag service providers
Custom manure/slurry applicators and wastewater operators
Identify and pursue new markets and underserved customer segments.
Execute a strategic territory sales plan that aligns with Ward Labs’ growth objectives.
Conduct follow-up after sample results to support customers and strengthen loyalty.
Track activity, leads, and opportunities using CRM tools.
Internal Collaboration & Quality Support
Regularly review seasonal sampling volume with the HR Business Manager to prepare for workload fluctuations.
Coordinate with the Lab Manager, department supervisors, and sample processing team to ensure communication of customer needs and project deadlines.
Ensure quotes and customer inquiries are handled accurately, promptly, and according to established procedures.
Help resolve customer concerns by investigating issues, identifying solutions, and following up to ensure satisfaction.
Provide feedback to lab leadership on recurring issues, customer needs, and opportunities for process improvements.
Marketing, Community Engagement & Public Relations
Participate in marketing campaigns, product promotions, and customer outreach programs.
Represent Ward Labs at:
Conferences
Field days
Trade shows
Community events
Maintain the highest level of professionalism and act as a positive brand ambassador.
Support PR efforts by engaging with local stakeholders, ag organizations, and partner agencies.
Success Factors
Strong leadership and self-management, with the ability to independently operate a large territory.
Excellent interpersonal communication across diverse personalities, with integrity and honesty.
Strategic thinker who understands agricultural testing markets and can align scientific concepts with business needs.
Positive attitude and strong work ethic within the culture, values, and mission of Ward Laboratories.
Detail-oriented but capable of maintaining a broader perspective.
Highly organized, managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and customer interactions simultaneously.
Proficiency with CRM systems and lead management tools.
Requirements Qualifications Required
Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Ag-Business, or related field
1–3 years of experience in agriculture or sales/account management
Familiarity with farming and ranching practices
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Willingness to travel frequently (both day and overnight trips)
Professional appearance and conduct
Preferred
CCA certification (or willingness to obtain)
Previous experience with agricultural lab services, fertilizer/crop consulting, or agronomy sales
Existing network within the central U.S. ag industry
Ability to explain soil health tests, manure analysis, plant tissue reports, and water quality testing at a high level
#J-18808-Ljbffr