Role Overview

The Retail Ag Sales Manager position at The Andersons in Waterloo, Indiana, represents a pivotal leadership role within one of North America's foremost agriculture and renewable fuels companies. This position demands a seasoned professional capable of steering sales teams toward achieving ambitious gross profit and growth targets across designated geographies or product segments. At its core, the role involves orchestrating both tactical execution and strategic vision, ensuring alignment with The Andersons' unwavering commitment to extraordinary customer service, employee development, community support, and shareholder value enhancement.

In Waterloo, Indiana, this manager will oversee retail agricultural sales operations, navigating the dynamic landscape of local farming communities, crop cycles, and market fluctuations inherent to the region's robust agribusiness ecosystem. Responsibilities extend beyond mere sales oversight to fostering enduring client relationships, driving revenue streams, and adapting to evolving market conditions. With a bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience as prerequisites, candidates must possess a valid driver's license and adhere to the company's stringent vehicle safety protocols, underscoring the field's mobility requirements.

This leadership position operates at a mid-to-senior level, managing professional employees or supervisors while adapting departmental strategies to surmount operational hurdles. Guided by established policies yet empowered to innovate within business plans, the successful candidate will deliver technical guidance, balance stakeholder interests, and drive results amid ambiguity—a perfect fit for those who thrive in the fast-paced world of agricultural retail sales.

Day in the Life

A typical day for the Retail Ag Sales Manager in Waterloo, Indiana, begins at dawn, aligning with the rhythms of Northeast Indiana's farming calendar. Arriving at The Andersons' local facility, you'll review overnight sales reports, market updates on corn, soybean, and fertilizer pricing, and team performance dashboards. Morning huddles with your sales staff set priorities: perhaps strategizing outreach to key dairy and crop producers in nearby DeKalb and Noble Counties.

Post-meeting, fieldwork commences. You'll join reps on client visits to farms around Waterloo, demonstrating precision ag products or negotiating bulk feed contracts. Lunch might involve networking at a local co-op event, where insights into weather impacts on yields inform your strategies. Afternoons are dedicated to data analysis—tracking KPIs like revenue per acre sold, customer retention rates, and inventory turnover—followed by coaching sessions to refine team pitches.

As the day winds down, you'll craft marketing plans for upcoming trade shows, liaise with corporate on compliance, and forecast Q4 goals. Evenings could include community engagements, like sponsoring a 4-H event, reinforcing The Andersons' community pillar. This role blends office analytics, field immersion, and leadership, demanding resilience and adaptability in Indiana's variable climate.

Why Waterloo, Indiana

Waterloo, Indiana, nestled in the heart of DeKalb County, offers an idyllic backdrop for agribusiness professionals seeking balance between career ambition and quality living. This small town of approximately 2,200 residents boasts a rich agricultural heritage, with surrounding farmlands producing corn, soybeans, and livestock that fuel the Midwest economy. Proximity to Fort Wayne—mere 25 minutes away—provides urban amenities like international airports, top-tier healthcare at Parkview Hospital, and cultural venues, without sacrificing rural charm.

Waterloo's low cost of living—about 20% below the national average—enables homeownership in spacious acreages ideal for ag enthusiasts. Excellent schools in the Dekalb Central district, family-friendly events like the annual Ox Roast Festival, and outdoor pursuits at nearby Pokagon State Park make it family paradise. For commuters, I-69 connects seamlessly to Toledo, Ohio, and Chicago, Illinois, enhancing career mobility within The Andersons' network.

Indiana's ag-friendly policies, including tax incentives for farming innovations, amplify professional opportunities. The region's stable climate supports consistent crop yields, minimizing sales volatility. Joining The Andersons here means embedding in a tight-knit community where business relationships evolve into lifelong partnerships, perfectly suiting a sales manager's relational ethos.

Career Growth

The Andersons invests heavily in talent trajectories, positioning the Retail Ag Sales Manager role as a launchpad for executive advancement. High performers often ascend to Regional Sales Director or National Agribusiness VP within 3-5 years, leveraging the company's expansive footprint across 20+ states. Internal mobility programs facilitate cross-divisional shifts into renewables, trading, or plant operations.

Mentorship from senior leaders, coupled with tuition reimbursement for MBAs or agribusiness certifications, accelerates growth. Annual leadership summits in Columbus, Ohio, expose you to C-suite strategies. Performance metrics directly tie to promotions: exceed revenue targets by 15%, and fast-track opportunities emerge. Alumni have helmed multimillion-dollar P&Ls, testament to The Andersons' meritocracy.

In Waterloo, local networking via Indiana Farm Bureau and ag expos builds visibility, while company-wide rotations broaden expertise. This role hones competencies like stakeholder balancing and ambiguity management, universally prized in ag leadership.

Compensation & Benefits

Earning potential for Retail Ag Sales Managers at The Andersons in Waterloo rivals top ag firms, blending competitive base salaries with uncapped commissions tied to gross profits. Total compensation often exceeds $120,000 for top performers, including bonuses averaging 20-30% of base. Equity grants and profit-sharing enhance long-term wealth-building.

Benefits suite is comprehensive: gold-tier health plans with low deductibles, 401(k) matching up to 6%, and 4+ weeks PTO accrual. Unique perks include ag product discounts, company truck allowances, and wellness stipends for farm-to-table initiatives. Family leave policies support life's milestones, while EAP provides confidential counseling. This package underscores The Andersons' employee improvement principle.

Culture

The Andersons' culture, rooted in its Statement of Principles, permeates Waterloo operations. Expect a collaborative ethos where 'extraordinary service' mantra drives daily interactions—from empowering sales teams to delighting farmers. Diversity thrives: M/F/Veteran/Disability/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation inclusivity fosters innovation.

Drug-free workplace emphasizes safety, with robust training. Team-building via community service, like food bank drives, strengthens bonds. Leaders model humility and results-orientation, creating environments where ambiguity sparks creativity. Waterloo's site embodies Midwestern values: hardworking, honest, community-centric.

How to Apply

Ready to propel your ag sales career? Visit The Andersons' careers portal at www.andersonsinc.com/careers. Search for 'Retail Ag Sales Manager - Waterloo, IN,' submit your resume, and complete the application. For guidance, download our application assistance PDF. Tailor your cover letter to highlight sales achievements and ag passion. Recruiters review submissions weekly; top candidates advance to virtual interviews, followed by on-site visits. Beware phishing—only @andersonsinc.com emails are legitimate. Join us in Waterloo today!

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