Sales Development Manager

The Sales Development Manager is responsible for managing brokers and strategic key accounts across all channels: retail, food service, wholesale/distributor, K-12, hospitality, and convenience. By executing the strategic sales plan, this role drives profitable growth through strong business relationships and a deep understanding of key account needs. Leveraging skills in communication, category management, and supply chain, the manager delivers innovative solutions to business partners. Success in this role requires effectiveness in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and active participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Position Requirements

1. 4-yr college degree in business, ag-business, ag-marketing or related field.

2. 5+ years’ experience in produce sales and account management functions, as well as experience in working in a collaborative atmosphere with various departments within the organization.

3. Strong sales acumen paired with a strategic, holistic approach to category management, sales forecasting, and key account development.

4. Strong comprehensive knowledge of all channels within the industry.

5. Knowledge of school k-12 business, DoD contracts and overall USDA school programs.

6. Understanding of value-added produce products.

7. Develop new business and monitor sales support systems to ensure business retention.

8. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel). CRM software experience highly preferred.

9. Creative thinking with the ability to resolve problems and conflicts with customers.

10. Excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task and work under tight deadlines with strong attention to detail.

11. Self-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills.

12. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with customers and consumers about our brand.

13. The ability to leverage past and current professional relationships to further succeed in achieving sales targets.

14. Ability to travel by air, train, car as situation dictates.

Position Responsibilities

1. Lead external communication with assigned key strategic accounts through various means, such as business reviews, joint business planning, and forecasting to enhance sales performance and continuous product portfolio growth.

2. Collaborate with the sales team to support and deliver go-to-market strategies, while providing solutions for issues pertinent to business success.

3. Mange customer pricing in line with budget targets.

4. Accountable for account forecasts and estimated growth plans and develop mutual key performance indicators with customers to achieve sales success.

5. Responsible for collaboration with the marketing team in building, implementing, and executing promotional calendars and other promotional activities, to increase sales movement and generated revenue.

6. Maintain a thorough working knowledge of all programs and a complete awareness and understanding of the industry as it pertains to competition, markets, products, pricing and trends.

7. Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, brokers, and various stakeholders, by proactively responding to special requests and proactively managing day-to-day key issues and challenges.

8. Effectively track in CRM and communicate all follow up customers’ activities for sales team members, assuring the Director of Sales is up to date on status on all activities.

9. Use a variety of data sources, such as internal sales reports, Nielsen data and market trends to collaboratively develop and suggest avenues for growth with business partners.

10. Actively participate in all Sales team meetings and reporting.

11. Attend relevant sales functions activities, such as exhibits, trade shows, and other events as requested.

12. Work closely with all internal team members, brokers and external customers to ensure high customer satisfaction.

13. Complete other tasks as assigned by supervisor.