OCCUPATION
DLF Seeds southern sales manager, South Island.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Drive around having coffees with clients.
I look after seed retailers with their seed requirements and also help assist the field reps on farm with paddock recommendations.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO IT?
I worked as a field rep for seven years before my current role.
I was approached and told to apply for the role. I started April 2011, so I have just started my third year.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
The challenge of going on farm and finding the right cultivar that fits the farmer for his needs. Also the presenting and talking at seminars, talking and being a part of the largest seed company in the world, meeting some of the best people in the world who are a part of the seed industry. This is really exciting.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY LEAST?
People who still believe that the old cultivars are still the best even though there are proven facts that plant breeders have bred better cultivars.
Constant complainers that feel the glass is half empty.
WHAT IS MOST CHALLENGING?
Not reading the emails while driving.
UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT THE JOB?
That all the nights away are not that exciting.
Grass seed takes time to bring to the market; only grams in the first year.
WHAT IS THE STRANGEST THING YOU HAVE HAD TO DO?
Took the punt to work at Clydevale; water-blasting fodder beet for a trial; weeding a trial on hands and knees because we could not spray the weeds.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACHIEVE?
To be the best I can and keep self-improvements going. To enjoy my job.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING DID YOU NEED?
I left school at a young age so had no qualifications apart from being a butcher when I started in the field rep role, but you gain knowledge along the way.
I did some courses through some providers and also the biggest thing is to listen to others and ask questions of the more experienced people in the industry. Listen and follow up with what you say you will do.
WHAT IS THE CAREER PATHWAY?
Further down the track you perhaps could go into more trial work or, if inclined, go into a senior sales role looking after South Island or New Zealand reps.
WHERE ELSE COULD YOUR SET OF SKILLS TAKE YOU?
Any sales roles or trial roles and perhaps in and around the farming industry.
WHAT PERSONAL SKILLS DO YOU NEED?
If you can talk and relate to the farmers you are 90% there.
Retaining the information is a huge part of being good at your role.
WHAT IS THE SALARY RANGE?
$85,000 to $110,000.
DO YOU GET WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS OFF?
Most weekends, although I sometimes have to start on a Sunday or I might have a show on.
Most public holidays off.
CAREER ADVICE?
If you are lucky enough to get a role like mine, you get in there and give 100%.
The biggest thing I learned from one of my trainers who lives in Alexandra, as a field rep, was always treat your clients how you like to be treated, acknowledge the family wives as well and try to leave the customers with some advice that will help them.
I have lived by this rule; it has helped me through my career within the seed industry and life.
Listen and say what you would do and follow that through.