The successful candidate will provide technical leadership to sales, research and marketing teams to support growth in the Purina® Companion Animal business with special focus on the Show, Sheep, and Goat businesses.  This individual will provide technical expertise for assigned projects including investigating and resolving problems, assist with field sales and demonstrations, provide input into product development and expansion of existing products and act as the technical interface between the customer and company.  The Companion Animal business comprises a group of products that are sold to customers who own animals as part of their lifestyle.

Species/Animals include: Poultry, Sheep, Goats, Rabbits, Wildlife including Deer, Game Birds and Fish, all Show Animals and Pets.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Assist with communication between the companion animal technical, research, sales and marketing teams as well as internal teams.

• Assist with the creation of sales training materials.  Provide training for Purina Animal Nutrition feed sales personnel as well as dealer and cooperative sales personnel in support of company products, technical concepts or services.

• Develop and review technical support materials for marketing initiatives.

• Assist with attaining new business by providing technical expertise and knowledge during sales calls and visits with customers.  Work with sales personnel to find ways of providing value and company differentiation with each customer.

• Assist with attaining new business by developing unique programs for reaching and educating potential Show and small ruminant producers and lifestyle customers.

• Assist with Show, Sheep & Goat businesses to provide support to customer activities at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center and at field events/meetings/conferences by participating and/or speaking at the events.

• Develop technical presentations for lay and professional audiences.

• Assist with defining product positioning and marketing strategies that generate sales of innovative and technical products.

• Support the Companion Animal Research team in New Product Development and serve in an advisory role to the Companion Animal Marketing team in preparing sales materials for consumers and key influential personnel, such as vets or breeders, within the industry.

• Assist with field demonstrations or research on new or existing products.

• Remain current on Show, Sheep & Goat industry trends and knowledge.

• Maintain visibility within the industry by participating or speaking at conferences, trade shows, and by preparing articles for industry publications.

• Work with the companion animal team to respond to all internal and external inquiries regarding product quality, specifications, and field formulations

Education & Experience Requirements:

• MS in Ruminant Nutrition (Beef cattle, Sheep, or Goats) and 5+ years of experience, PhD in Ruminant Nutrition desired

• Experience raising, showing and judging animals.

• Travel is required in this position.  The amount of travel will be dependent on the customer base served and amount of direct customer contact required.  Position will average 25 – 40% travel.

Competencies & Other Skills Required:

• Strong technical skills and understanding of animal nutrition in one or more of the species identified and their respective animal industry.

• Ability to formulate new diets and supplements and to assist with customer diet formulation requests.

• Strong interpersonal and communication, public speaking and technical writing skills.  

• Must be capable of providing scientific and research data, regarding nutrition and animal management, in sales environments.

• Must be able to inspire confidence in product performance with creativity and conviction in product-line knowledge.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and leverage collaborative relationships.

• Ability to effectively work as a part of a team and possess excellent team building skills.

• Uncompromising integrity.

Travel: 25-40%

Salary: $99,520-$149,280

This position is remote (virtual) and can be done from anywhere in the United States.

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.