Category Sales Director-Gilder Search Group
A longstanding, family owned & operated grower / packer / shipper has an opportunity for a hands-on sales leader to oversee a key commodity group and continue its expansion. This category will soon become an annual program. This role will be instrumental in growing the customer base, maximizing margins and grower returns, and developing the sales team.
Position is a hybrid remote / in office role. Ideally seek candidates in California’s Central Valley, but open to other areas of the state. Knowledge of dry veg or related produce categories valuable.
The position will work closely with management and ownership on sales strategy and sales direction, and will develop a deep knowledge of their product lines as well as category market dynamics. Coaching and managing the sales team, taking initiative, developing new customers, and engaging current customers to reach win-win scenarios are key. This role is expected to maintain high levels of communication, actively work to solve problems, and strive to exceed company and customer expectations.
Position Functions Include
- Educate and direct the sales, admin, and operations teams on all sales and marketing aspects of each commodity in the fresh bell and hot pepper category, including products, packaging innovations, costs yields and margins, and the overall competitive landscape for each product and season as set forth in the Strategic Plan.
- Promote a team attitude and synergy within the whole company, their growers, and customers in keeping with the direction of the directives of the position.
- Direct all daily and forward pricing, quality, and allocation decisions for best possible results both to buyer and to grower clients alike.
- New and existing customer account management with a strong focus on maximizing long-term account and program profitability.
- Oversee, monitor, and sell current inventory while also following directive for future promotional planning.
- Manage grower and sales team expectations and objections through market updates, lot sales reporting review and commentary, and frequent pertinent communication on all matters immediately as they arise.
- Lead daily sales meetings and represent sales and marketing in weekly or as scheduled company production meetings.
- Attend strategic customer and sales meetings and contribute to sales and marketing strategy for the category.
- Balance ground-level tactical work with strategic business development and relationship management to drive innovation and differentiation for the Company by identifying products, packaging, supply-chain, and post-harvest opportunities for improvement.
- Periodic analysis and reporting to team members and to management with respect to category, salesperson, and customer/buyer performance, and department P&L for the Company.
- Astutely manage quality of sales, efficiency of operations, and optimization of margins to achieve the Company’s profitability targets.
Desired Experience and Qualifications Include
- Established track record of leading and developing sales teams as well as delivering sales results.
- Strong experience/relationships working with retail customers.
- Strong communication skills and focus on collaboration.
- College degree (B.A. /B.S.) in related fields of study desired, or relevant experience in the produce industry.
The salary and compensation package are currently being determined. A salary range of one hundred fifty to one hundred eighty thousand dollars per annum is in the ballpark. A different salary may potentially be considered, depending on the experience, previously demonstrated successes, and potential fit for the role. Additional bonus compensation can be a part of the compensation package.
Position Contact
Rich Lentz
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