Suzanne Harwood
Geyser,MT
Summary
Results-driven professional prepared to bring blend of strategic vision and hands-on leadership to dynamic organization. Background includes managing diverse teams , varying customer base and driving results. Known for fostering team culture that inspires and motivates members and consistently achieving results, with core skills in leadership and development.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
REGIONAL MANAGER
Merck & Co.
01.2020 - Current
- Working with a diverse customer base from territory managers internally, to distribution partners, producers, vet clinics and dealerships.
- Coaching and developing the team to achieve annual sales targets while partnering with the technical service team as well as technology team to deliver great customer service and support.
- Working to enhance and provide a diverse culture and team that is open and inclusive for all members.
- Driving excellence through an inspiring management style for long term employee satisfaction and results.
DISTRICT MANAGER
BASF Corporation
10.2014 - 09.2017
- Managed an 8 person crop protection team in Northern Plains
- Develop strategy and details plans for meeting financial budgets. Annual Sales Revenue of ~$90M and sales marketing budget of 5M and T&E of 3M.
- Managing diverse crop and product portfolios.
- Launching new products while extensive market share with old technology and transitioning customers and internal employees
- Forecasting, market analysis and overall business monitoring.
AREA BUSINESS MANAGER
Monsanto Company
05.2011 - 10.2014
- Management of 9 member sales team and overall business strategy and execution for the DEKALB corn and Asgrow Soybean brands in the state of Michigan.
- Annual Michigan sales revenue of over 90M for both brands. Management of sales marketing budget of 5.6M and SG&A of 2.3M.
- Setting the direction and strategy for the brands and motivate, develop and create a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Implement individual DSM development plans and provide specific feedback as it relates to situation coaching, business results and personal/professional growth.
- Build and implement business plans for the brands that will drive core strategy to drive sales and profitability through the distribution channel.
- Developing demand planning for seed needs both growing season length as well as technology incorporated in the seed
- Monitoring business management of the sales team’s area including all budgets, market analysis, production forecasting, allocation plans and product performance, inventory and profitability.
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Sedona Ag
08.2004 - 05.2011
- Management of 15 member sales team spanning across the Midwest and Northeast.
- Business analysis and reporting relative to sales performance. Identify current business trends, existing gaps and plans to close gaps.
- Identify and participate with key organization which impact the Regional dairy industry.
AREA MARKET MANAGER
Monsanto Company
05.2000 - 08.2004
- Developing business plans and tactics to increase market penetration of rbst (Posilac) in the given geography.
- Successful implementation of tactics with local industry professionals to ensure proper use and feeding of cows when utilizing product and maintaining longer term working relationships with these influences to increase sales on other dairies.
- Providing education and training opportunities for customers to enhance their management skills to improve production and efficiency.
SWINE AREA OF EXPERTISE AGENT
Michigan State University Extension
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Developing education programs based on local/industry priorities to increase livestock producers knowledge in areas such as value added marketing, nutrient management, financial management, nutrition and etc.
- Provided leadership in the acceptance, adoption and implementation of change, which would positively impact production at the local level and recognizing national and global influences.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Consolidated Nutrition, L.C.
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Responsible for the design, analysis and summarization of Research in the areas of Swine metabolism, grow- finish performance.
- Compiling research information into reports and bulletins that were utilized by technical support and sales personnel. Presentation to dealers and customers
- Development and launch of new product lines.
Education
Masters of Science - Swine Nutrition
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI01.1997
Bachelors of Science - Animal Science
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI01.1995
Skills
- People development
- Team motivation
- Building inspiring team culture
- Business development and planning
- Sales management
Timeline
REGIONAL MANAGER
Merck & Co.
01.2020 - Current
DISTRICT MANAGER
BASF Corporation
10.2014 - 09.2017
AREA BUSINESS MANAGER
Monsanto Company
05.2011 - 10.2014
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Sedona Ag
08.2004 - 05.2011
AREA MARKET MANAGER
Monsanto Company
05.2000 - 08.2004
SWINE AREA OF EXPERTISE AGENT
Michigan State University Extension
01.1999 - 01.2000
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Consolidated Nutrition, L.C.
01.1997 - 01.1999
Bachelors of Science - Animal Science
Michigan State University
Masters of Science - Swine Nutrition
Michigan State University