Western Europe

We are excited to offer a new opportunity to join the Volac Team in a permanent position as Technical Services Manager – Western Europe. This role is home based and reports to Global Lead Technical Services

Company Profile
Volac is a family-owned business with a strong heritage producing high-performance dairy nutritional products for over fifty years. Today, our business is focused on ruminant nutrition supporting the health and performance of farm animals. Our roots in dairy and our commitment to innovation continue to inspire us. We care deeply for our customers, partners, and communities, working together to create a sustainable and healthier world, whilst staying true to our value

About the role
To provide technical support to customers and sales colleagues within the Market.
To support the sales targets and objectives of the sales team in a professional manner operating within the AN Country in an autonomous homebased environment.

Principle Responsibilities

Technical Support

•       Work with central technical and R&D teams to contribute to innovation objective of delivering local solutions shaped by our technical expertise and global perspective

•       General technical support (all product areas and including an envisaged 4th product family) to customers and Key Account Managers

•       Included in case team for technical cases

•       Lead or support regional Horizon 1 trial work to support market growth

•       Work with Product Managers to develop regional technical messaging

•       Interact, where appropriate regionally, with academic relationships

•       Develop and deliver regional technical support strategy

Account Support

  1. In planned co-operation with colleagues and Line Manager, guide, motivate, train and assist distributors to maximize sales of ALL Volac products in line with agreed national budgets and objectives. 

  2. Generate and increase sales and knowledge of Volac products by contact with Key Customers through visits and meetings. Submit new ideas and initiatives relevant to Volac's development.

  3. Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant technical and commercial aspects of the agricultural industry.  This will include competitors’ products, prices and activities, legislation, market trends and advisory recommendations.

  4. Communicate and document all relevant information on account activities through monthly team and one-to-one meetings. Engage colleagues support where required.

Influence Key Farmers and Vets, advisors, consultants and nutritionists

  1. Generate and increase sales and knowledge of all Volac products by contact with Volac and Distributor sales staff, farmers and vets through visits, meetings, open days and demonstrations. Identify farms where there is currently low or no usage of Volac products and plan activity in conjunction with the Key Account Manager, for influencing their current animal feed and animal health approach.

  2. Support the designated territory, while working with other colleagues, and all applicable farms within that area. Work in conjunction with the network of dealers / distributors in line with the Key Customer plan agreed within the sales team total budget.

  3. Work with the other team members to ensure that regional objectives are secured, the right people are engaged in the right tasks, the team is motivated, and the team works together effectively. This will include involvement in team meetings and implementing actions from them. Geographical borders are not boundaries and colleagues always work together to support each other wherever they may be.

Other

  1. At all times comply with the Health & Safety regulations and under no circumstances deviate from safe working practice.

  2. To be fully involved in the IFS and the CRM system.  To be aware of individual responsibilities and to be familiar with and implement all relevant procedures.

  3. Undertake additional responsibilities and report to the Line Manager as required.

  4. participate in trade shows and dairy symposiums (for networking and teaching)

Train and develop direct and indirect customers

  • Train and develop the skills of Volac Key Account Managers, so they can question and listen to the needs of direct customers. Help to give evidence and data, explaining why Volac products are differentiated in the marketplace.

  • Develop an approach to training direct customers, so they become capable advocates for the suite of Volac products, understanding how to effectively question, listen and deliver the correct recommendations for end user customers.

  • Work with the marketing team, to bring a consistency to the customer experience, where Volac’s customers have an expectation of high standards associated with highly effective products and a price point which reflects this.

  • Bring focus to the alignment between improved animal performance and reduced Carbon output, highlighting the complimentary outcomes which can be achieved.

Person Specification

  • An ability to start and finish projects to a high standard.

  • Technical knowledge of the product area.

  • Commercial acumen.

  • Team player who enjoys making a big contribution to the wider Additives and Volac team.

  • Desire to continually identify and improve ways of working.

  • Autonomous / Self-starter.

  • Good communication and relationship building skills .          

  • Results driven and independent minded.

  • Relevant Animal Nutrition BSc Degree and  / or equivalent experience.

  • Willing to travel internationally and to UK Head Office when required

  • Enthusiastic and passionate about field of expertise

  • Fluent in English

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role please contact us on careers@volac.com