Agro Assistant Manager

Essential Functions of the Job:

Manages a client base within the parameters of the market area's and farm supply marketing strategies to ensure financial and operating targets are met and/or exceeded yet maintains balance with customer needs and customer service objectives.

Establishes, maintains and conducts ongoing analysis of customer profiles in order to identify and act upon trends, market requirements and potential business opportunities. Demonstrated high degree of knowledge in order to provide accurate and timely information/advice to current and potential customers, demonstrates talent for bargaining and negotiating while ensuring all procurement and sales practices are congruent with corporate policy, image and direction and respect confidentiality of both company and producer's business.

Analyzes current and future agricultural trends and service needs and develops and implemented strategies and actions to create opportunities.

Develops and maintains effective business relationships with current and potential future customers based on an approach of targeting customers with whom the company can profitability do business.

Supervises the checking of merchandise received for quality and quantity.

Organizes and supervises work activities of staff in receiving, storing, assembling, distributing and selling farm supplies.

Maintains procedures for the efficient and safe warehousing of all merchandise received with regard to space, accessibility and positioning stock to prevent losses.

Keeps informed of competitor activities within the market area and recommends marketing program and service revisions.

Keeps the manager informed of levels of existing stock and prepares orders for additional supplies within guidelines as required.

Reviews customer accounts to ensure payments are within approved credit policy and performs collection functions as required.

Supervises and participates in housekeeping programs, which promote safe working conditions and provide neat, clean appearance.

Performs other related duties as required.

Merchandising:

Ensure maintenance of adequate inventories.

Responsible for pricing all merchandise in the Agro Centre in accordance with association markup and margin policy.

To place orders to satisfy member and customer requirements, keeping in mind item selection, price, timing, placement, and quantity. 

Responsible for receiving and warehousing of department merchandise. 

Ensure the quality and condition of all merchandise meets the proper standards.

Supervise and initiate attractive balanced displays of merchandise, maintaining counter efficiency.

Initiate sale of slow moving merchandise and/or discontinue slow moving obsolete lines.

Ensure procedures are followed that minimize the risk of unauthorized removal of merchandise and or company assets.

Financing & Operations

Assist with scrutinizing the operating statement related to the Agro Centre in order to ensure efficient operations and to initiate immediate remedial of action where required.

Compile an annual budget for the Agro Centre for the approval of the VP Agro.

Recommend major maintenance repairs and expense items to the VP Agro.

Prepare, in collaboration with the VP Agro, all departmental operating procedures.

Responsible for proper housekeeping of the Agro Centre.

Responsible for proper transferring and markdown records.

Check all prices, extensions and code all invoices.

To ensure the procedure for the delivery of merchandise, chemical/fertilizer as it pertains to the Agro Centre is adhered to.

Responsible for accurate inventories, complying with proper classification and authorization of purchase invoices.

To be alert and report all unauthorized removal of merchandise and/or pilferage to observe proper security measures.

Human Resources

In conjunction with the VP Human Resources and the Agro Manager, responsible for the management of the department human resources.  This involves supervision, scheduling, employee relations, training, appraisals, motivation of staff and the consistent application and training of policies, procedures and programs applicable to the Agro Centre.

Public Relations

Take specific measures in order to rectify and adjust customer complaints. 

Actively engage in programs aimed at promoting: good customer relations, increasing sales volume, and continually improving member and customer service.

Ensure the practice of safety regulations by staff members and customers and promote the elimination of hazardous conditions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's):

Knowledge of Agro Centre programs/procedures 

Five years of progressively responsible experience in agri-products inventory management and sales

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Problem solving and analytical skills

Basic math skills

Ability to effectively lead and motivate employees

Ability to maintain confidentiality and work in a professional manner

Skills needed to effectively organize and manage employees and workloads

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines and schedule requirements

Must have a willingness to learn and work extended hours in the busy seasons

Education and Experience:

Minimum of 5 years' experience working in an Agro Centre; preferably at a leadership level

Diploma in Administration or Agriculture

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Certification

Pesticide Vendors License

Forklift Operator and First Aid Certification

Must be willing to work towards the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) designation

Class 5 drivers license with a clean abstract

Our employees receive competitive salaries, a profit-sharing program, EFAP program, employee discount program, a comprehensive benefits package, ongoing learning opportunities, and an employer-contributed pension plan. We encourage our Team Members to take advantage of learning opportunities, to grow and develop and to foster a culture of teamwork and innovation.

At Co-op, we embrace diversity and inclusion, and we're working to create a workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We support and provide an environment that allows all to bring their whole selves to work.