Fresh Produce Business Development Sales

SUMMARY:

The experienced, self-motivated Fresh Produce Business Development/Sales Professional is responsible for working directly with prospects and customers to book produce orders, provide customer service, establish beneficial relationships, and meet sales quotas, building relationships, and achieving sales goals, while ensuring high quality product standards and efficient operations. Identify new markets and customer leads and pitch prospective customers. The Fresh Produce Business Development/ Sales Professional has a strong sales background, high energy and ability to commit to sales results.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES:

• Implement strategies to maintain and improve quality of service, productivity, and profitability.
• Monitor accuracy of reporting and data base information.
• Apply sound communication and motivational techniques. Complete all necessary records and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Follow all company policies, such as HR, Safety policies, training, and procedures regarding Food    Safety Compliance Guidelines.
• Researching competitors' products and pricing as well as market conditions.
• Keeping abreast of the latest industry developments by attending meetings, training workshops, and industry events.
• Strategically negotiating with potential and existing customers to close sales.
• Managing aggressive growth and account management with larger and existing customers.
• Targeting and converting new customers.
• Preventing “lost customers” and focusing on “developmental” customers that could grow more aggressively through a larger share of spend or improved market performance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have 5+ years in Fresh Produce Business Development and Sales building products experience in a customer-facing role- (Sales, Marketing, or Customer Service), with a successful track record.
• College degree in related field, preferably supply chain or purchasing, or comparable years of related experience.
• Proven track record of succeeding in a territory sales role.
• Experience selling direct to consumer is a plus.
• Must have experience using a sales system; and reporting back on targets, visit plans and outcomes.
• Experienced in building B2B relationships with prospective existing and new prospective customers.
• High level of motivation to succeed both as an individual and as a Market Team.

• Able to receive orders diplomatically.
• Proficient with computer software. Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must have use of all extremities.
• Must be able to reach above shoulders.
• Must be able to see.
• Must be able to identify colors.
• Must be able to hear.
• Must be able to lift and carry at least 20 lbs.
• Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly.
• Must be able to climb stairs.
• Must be able to work in temperatures ranging from -10 degrees normal daily temperatures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Office and Plant.
• Working with and/or around machines with moving parts and objects.
• Longer and irregular work hours.