Location: Crookston, MN (onsite/hybrid) *Must live within a commutable range
Classification: High-level Individual Contributor
Salary: $90,000 - $105,000 (DOE) with Bonus Potential
Position Overview
The Procurement & Hybrid Seed Manager is responsible for sourcing and purchasing sunflower seed from growers, cooperatives, and suppliers to support the company's production needs. This role also leads the company’s hybrid seed program, working closely with breeders, growers, and internal teams to ensure genetic purity, seed quality, and reliable supply. This position serves as a primary relationship manager with sunflower growers, provides market-driven procurement leadership, and supports long-term seed development and supply strategy through data-driven decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Grower Relations
- Source, negotiate, and manage grower contracts and open acreage to ensure adequate supply, quality, and cost competitiveness.
- Serve as the primary company representative to sunflower growers; build and maintain strong, long-term relationships through regular field visits and industry engagement.
- Analyze local and global market trends, supply/demand conditions, and pricing to inform purchasing decisions.
- Maintain accurate records of contracts, purchases, and market activity.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals.
Hybrid Seed Program Management
- Lead and execute the company’s hybrid seed program, aligning seed production with manufacturing and sales needs.
- Collaborate with breeders and production teams to oversee seed production, quality control, and inventory management.
- Monitor and ensure genetic purity and seed quality through inspections, germination testing, and purity analysis.
- Analyze field trial and performance data to optimize hybrid development and improve grower and production yields.
- Evaluate future hybrid development and marketing opportunities.
Operational & Cross-Functional Support
- Advise growers on agronomic practices, insurance requirements, and regulatory compliance.
- Monitor crop conditions during the growing season to support forecasting and inventory planning.
- Coordinate with logistics, transportation, and quality teams to ensure timely delivery and quality standards.
- Assist in identifying optimal seed production locations based on quality, storage, and transportation considerations.
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills with growers and agricultural partners.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- Analytical mindset with strong decision-making and attention to detail.
- Understanding of agricultural supply chains, logistics, and operational impacts.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, Outlook, and Teams.
- Commitment to GMP, food safety, and company standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Business, Economics, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field.
- 5+ years of agricultural-related experience.
- Experience with sunflower and hybrid seed, or other specialized commodities, such as dry beans, peas, flax, lentils, or similar crops; preferred
- Experience in sunflower procurement, seed production, operations, or seed sales; preferred
Travel & Work Environment
- Headquartered in Crookston, MN (hybrid onsite/remote)
- Approximately 60% travel, including occasional overnight stays.
- Combination of office and field work in controlled and uncontrolled environments.
- Physical demands range from sedentary to moderate, with occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
