Agronomy Manager
Michigan Sugar Company, Lansing, MI, United States
Excellence. Pride. Integrity. Compassion. Trust. Are you ready to plant your career in a place where words like these serve as the foundation for doing business every day? At Michigan Sugar, our purpose is Making Life Sweeter, and our mission is Creating Growth and Opportunity.
Job Summary
The Agronomy Manager will serve as the assigned district’s expert for agronomic consulting across the central region of Michigan Sugar Company’s growing areas. The Agronomy Manager will support over 50,000 acres of sugar beets, representing more than $40 million in crop value. The position is responsible for hiring, coaching, and developing a team of agriculturists and agronomy professionals supporting the assigned district. The Agronomy Manager will lead and guide their team to improve grower sustainability and performance, while ensuring alignment with company agronomic standards and expectations. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to growers, providing expert recommendations on agronomic practices. Additionally, this role will support community outreach efforts, including youth and young farmer programs, and help drive positive grower behavior to ensure the long‑term success of the cooperative.
Primary Responsibilities
Hire, lead, and coach a team of 3–4 field consultants and agronomy professionals
Serve as the primary agronomy expert within the assigned district
Build and maintain strong relationships across internal agricultural teams and external industry partners
Ensure adoption and adherence to Michigan Sugar Company agronomic practices
Lead development of agronomy programs, including:
Grower services
Technology offerings
Professional development for agriculturists
Develop initiatives to continuously improve RWST performance
Collaborate with the Research Department to:
Recommend and support field trials
Implement findings that improve grower profitability
Develop and deliver agronomic presentations to growers and internal teams
Foster collaboration across agricultural functions, including Research, Agricultural Operations, and Shareholder Relations
Partner with other team leaders to execute strategic initiatives and organizational priorities
Support community outreach and grower engagement efforts aligned with company values
Build long‑term relationships and positively influence grower behavior
Perform other duties as assigned
Position Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or a related field
10+ years of experience in field consulting and/or agronomic advising
Proven leadership experience managing, coaching, and developing teams
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Strong ability to provide trusted, data‑driven recommendations to growers
Expertise in:
Disease management
Soil science
Weed control
Excellent communication and public speaking skills
Key Competencies
Strong attention to detail
Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
Effective team collaboration skills
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Composure under pressure and ability to manage conflict professionally
High level of integrity and ethical standards
Demonstrates professional leadership and role‑model behavior
Ability to learn and adapt to new software and technologies
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this position. The above statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills that may be required. All staff may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities as needed.
Benefits
Michigan Sugar Company offers competitive salary, opportunity for professional growth, and provides excellent medical insurance (100% company paid). A comprehensive benefits package includes dental and life insurances, 401(k) match, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave and more.
Michigan Sugar Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Job Summary
The Agronomy Manager will serve as the assigned district’s expert for agronomic consulting across the central region of Michigan Sugar Company’s growing areas. The Agronomy Manager will support over 50,000 acres of sugar beets, representing more than $40 million in crop value. The position is responsible for hiring, coaching, and developing a team of agriculturists and agronomy professionals supporting the assigned district. The Agronomy Manager will lead and guide their team to improve grower sustainability and performance, while ensuring alignment with company agronomic standards and expectations. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to growers, providing expert recommendations on agronomic practices. Additionally, this role will support community outreach efforts, including youth and young farmer programs, and help drive positive grower behavior to ensure the long‑term success of the cooperative.
Primary Responsibilities
Hire, lead, and coach a team of 3–4 field consultants and agronomy professionals
Serve as the primary agronomy expert within the assigned district
Build and maintain strong relationships across internal agricultural teams and external industry partners
Ensure adoption and adherence to Michigan Sugar Company agronomic practices
Lead development of agronomy programs, including:
Grower services
Technology offerings
Professional development for agriculturists
Develop initiatives to continuously improve RWST performance
Collaborate with the Research Department to:
Recommend and support field trials
Implement findings that improve grower profitability
Develop and deliver agronomic presentations to growers and internal teams
Foster collaboration across agricultural functions, including Research, Agricultural Operations, and Shareholder Relations
Partner with other team leaders to execute strategic initiatives and organizational priorities
Support community outreach and grower engagement efforts aligned with company values
Build long‑term relationships and positively influence grower behavior
Perform other duties as assigned
Position Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or a related field
10+ years of experience in field consulting and/or agronomic advising
Proven leadership experience managing, coaching, and developing teams
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Strong ability to provide trusted, data‑driven recommendations to growers
Expertise in:
Disease management
Soil science
Weed control
Excellent communication and public speaking skills
Key Competencies
Strong attention to detail
Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
Effective team collaboration skills
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Composure under pressure and ability to manage conflict professionally
High level of integrity and ethical standards
Demonstrates professional leadership and role‑model behavior
Ability to learn and adapt to new software and technologies
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this position. The above statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills that may be required. All staff may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities as needed.
Benefits
Michigan Sugar Company offers competitive salary, opportunity for professional growth, and provides excellent medical insurance (100% company paid). A comprehensive benefits package includes dental and life insurances, 401(k) match, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave and more.
Michigan Sugar Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr