About Pivot Bio:
Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of microbiology, genomics, crop nutrition and agriculture, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in fertilizer technology. Our first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes, modern gene editing and application technologies to provide nitrogen to crops. We are dedicated to providing new solutions for farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the world’s growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour.
The Head of Commercial Agronomy will provide strategic leadership for commercial agronomy and engage in a cross-functional reporting structure with product development agronomy. Using broad knowledge of sales agronomy, the incumbent will provide direction in planning, managing, and executing commercial agronomy strategy while partnering with the business to drive greater results.
Essential Functions
- Lead the development and execution of the commercial agronomy strategy, aligning with broader business objectives to drive growth and market penetration.
- Advance the education of the commercial team on agronomy principles relevant to Pivot Bio products including soil health, nutrient management, crop physiology, and sustainable farming practices.
- Establish and maintain a strong partnership with Product Innovation counterpart and participate in the Product Innovation Agronomy leadership team.
- Prepare technical presentations to represent Pivot Bio at customer-facing events.
- Lead demand generation efforts throughout the Commercial Agronomy team to drive product placement and greater product adoption with targeted growers.
- Collaborate with Product Innovation to deploy on-farm Commercial Demo strategy to further characterize current products and build data on new product innovations.
- Partner with our internal digital team to support development of product placement digital tools and ensure internal adoption is in place.
Competencies
Knowledge & Application
- A profound understanding of agronomy, adept project management skills, and the ability to ingest, transfer and interpret technical product knowledge and effectively communicate information to key stakeholders that include commercial team members, external partners, and other targeted audiences.
- Strong practical business knowledge to support in building go to market strategies and implementation within the agronomy team.
Complexity & Problem Solving
- Coach Commercial team on how to collaborate with external stakeholders to enhance product adoption and market penetration.
- Provide guidance on planning, managing, and executing product demos and characterization trials for commercial products.
- Equip Commercial team, with the necessary tools and knowledge to handle technical customer service calls effectively. Provide guidance on problem-solving techniques and escalation procedures for complex issues.
- Demonstrate how agronomy and product knowledge can be leveraged to directly support territory sales targets. Provide strategies for utilizing technical expertise to address customer needs and drive sales growth.
Discretion & Impact
- Champion Pivot Bio's current and future sustainable nutrient solutions. Facilitate seamless communication between the technical team and customers.
- Coach commercial team on setting up trials, collecting data, analyzing results, and presenting findings to customers.
- Ensure that commercial team and our customers have a deep understanding of the product portfolio]
- Determines needs, methods, and team assignments.
- Drives the professional development of commercial agronomy team members.
- Identify pertinent third-party relationships and partnerships that can support sales efforts.
- Provide training on effective communication, product presentation, and customer engagement strategies.
Collaboration & Interaction
- Interacts regularly with early adapters for both product evaluation and product support.
- Support the development of training materials, in collaboration with Product Innovation and Agronomy, that cover all aspects of Pivot Bio products, including features, benefits, application methods, and target crops.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and influencing skills, with the ability to build consensus and drive change in a complex organizational environment.
- Develops and maintains relationships with Product Innovation colleagues, universities, and other 3rd party organizations to help steward current products and introduce new products.
- Creates formal professional networks with key decision makers and influencers across the agricultural industry and serves as external spokesperson for the organization.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
- Manages a team of Regional Commercial Agronomists who manage Commercial Agronomists
Work Environment
- Job will include office and computer-based work
- Sedentary work that involves sitting/standing
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- Ability to drive for 6 or more hours per day when needed
- Ability to work outside in high temperatures to conduct field trials
- Ability to board farm equipment for trialing purposes
Travel Required: 40%
Required Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, or related field required; master's degree in similar areas of study preferred.
- Extensive experience (8+ years) in agronomy, nutrient management, development, or related leadership roles within the agricultural industry
- Experience providing strategic leadership and direction in agronomic initiatives, driving business growth and market expansion.
- Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, with experience in statistical software preferred.
- Deep technical expertise in agronomy principles, crop production practices, and agricultural technologies.
Must be authorized to work in the United States
What We Offer:
- Competitive package in a disruptive startup
- Bonus Incentive
- Stock options
- Health/Dental/Vision insurance with employer-paid premiums
- Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability policies
- Employee Assistance Program with free referrals and discounts
- 401(k) plan, 3% Match
- Commuter benefits
- Annual Training & Development support
- Flexible vacation policy with a generous holiday schedule
- Exciting opportunity to work with a talented and fun team
LI-Remote
All remote positions and those not located in our Berkeley facility are paid based on National Benchmark data. Following employment, growth beyond the hiring range is possible based on performance.
Hiring Compensation Range
$168,000—$210,000 USD
