Landscape Business Manager

Ball Seed is committed to developing products and a supply chain to effectively serve the landscape market segment in North America. We have an established strong network of growers and suppliers in the segment and are looking to expand market share through increased marketing and sales support.

We have identified this market segment as one to invest in and deliver profitable growth into the future. We also understand that there are regional variations and opportunities to improve and grow. To this end, we are expanding our team by adding an experienced professional to serve the landscape market, growers, and members of our sales force. This person will develop an enhanced network and partner with the Company leadership team to refine and deploy our strategy. The role reports to the Director of Customer Experience.

In this role you will deliver profitable growth to Ball Seed and our strategic supply partners by influencing landscape designers, advising growers who serve the landscape trade, and training the sales team on the best products and suppliers to use in building successful programs in their region. Ball Seed will gain market share with landscape   growers across North America through the execution of the strategy you will develop and influence in this role. 

Job Responsibilities

•  Define the landscape segment: identify landscape growers (Ball Customers) and Landscapers (end users) and map the pull-through relationship between them to understand the strategy of each business sector served by the Landscape Grower: Commercial, Residential, Municipal, and ensure that Ball Seed offers the best portfolio and experience to meet their needs. 
•  Drive Ball Seed sales growth to customers who grow for the landscape segment. Position Ball Seed as the go-to solution to increase market share for Ball Seed and to get the top performing genetics in the landscapes in every market. 
•  Train Ball Seed Sales Reps on market insights, variety training and product positioning to increase the confidence and market intelligence of the team so they can better advise customers in their territory  
•  Consult with Ball Seed Leadership Team on strategy and identify opportunities to influence the segment to assist in allocation of resources needed to drive growth, to maintain alignment of overall direction.  
•  Active participation in planning and execution of customer and industry events to make effective use of marketing and promotional efforts and develop KPI’s for measuring results.
• Host industry and customer groups in the Gardens at Ball - demonstrate trials and build customer trust.
• Share insights and key learnings monthly through one page reports.
• Maintain awareness of market trends and opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a content calendar for driving engagement via social and print media.
• Reflect Ball Seed’s leadership in the category through educational outreach and speaking engagements.

• Hands on experience working with plants and customers. Minimum of 5 years of sales or technical support to growers. 
• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or a related field required, Master's degree preferred. 
• Must have technical knowledge of soil, water, fertilizer, plant physiology.
• Digital content creation software proficiency. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and/or InDesign highly desired. 
• Uses a strong understanding of the business landscape and market trends to support and drive organizational success. 
• Clearly and effectively communicates ideas across a variety of settings, tailoring messages to meet the needs of different audiences. 
• Builds meaningful relationships with customers and delivers thoughtful, customer-centered solutions. 
• Develops and maintains strong relationships both within the organization and externally to support collaboration and success. 
•  Effectively leverages available resources—including people, budgets, and tools—to achieve goals and overcome challenges. 

Travel:  Position is based in West Chicago, travel requirement up to 40%   

Salary Range: $80-90k 

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift upwards of 20 pounds occasionally.
• May be required to push/pull benches and lift items approximately 5 - 15 pounds. 
• May be required to kneel/bend.
• Ability to use hands/fingers 80% of the day 
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time in a greenhouse or in field trials. Also, the ability to work in an office environment. 

Our promise to you: 

We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable. 

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes: 

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs
• An onsite subsidized café overlooking renowned display gardens and restored natural areas