SR. DIRECTOR OF COMMODITY VEGETABLE SALES – CASTROVILLE, CA


November 6, 2024

The Senior Director of Commodity Vegetable Sales will lead all sales efforts to ensure the Company’s commodity sales goals and profitability are met. This position will work in a collaborative environment with senior management, affiliated companies, as well as the sales and marketing teams to maximum revenue opportunities and profits while promoting customer satisfaction. Key to this role is having a vision about the overall direction and success of the business and having the ability to execute against our commodity vegetable plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key Accountabilities

  • Achieving profit/loss goals and market share goals in relation to market potential, present standards and industry and economic trends
  • Implementing industry specific sales objectives by helping to develop sales action plans through the implementation of marketing strategies, analyses of trends and results
  • Developing new revenue opportunities through market analysis of consumers, competition and trends
  • Meeting with key clients and directing the sales team with maintaining key relationships, facilitating contract negotiations and closing deals
  • Reviewing and analyzing sales performance against sales budgets to determine effectiveness
  • Participate in the development of product positioning, packaging, and pricing strategy to maximize long-term market share
  • Creating and maintaining a high-performance driven team by attracting, motivating, training and retaining key personnel
  • Plan and administer budgets on a yearly basis.  This includes developing and maintaining revenue and expense budgets for the Company’s commodity sales force
  • Meeting with business and industry influencers to monitor needs and trends in the produce industry
  • Serving as a representative of Ocean Mist Farms at business meetings and functions
  • Networking with potential customer and business partners to promote our products and the business in general
  • Maintaining good working relationships with customers, receivers, employees, other departments and affiliates, peers and supervisors including problem solving
  • Attending relevant meetings as necessary and reporting to Board of Directors as requested

Public and Customer Relations

  • Actively participate in Sales and Marketing efforts to best promote Ocean Mist Farms through all the relevant media channels to the public and customers
  • Actively involved in ensuring that our Marketing efforts reach our customers and their consumers

Database Management

  • Accountable for accurate and on-time reporting essentials for sales organization effectiveness
  • Track sales and customers
  • Create annual report on customer database
  • Develop retail, food service and institutional databases for sales targets
  • Work closely with the Finance Department in the formal development of customer profitability and contract compliance tools

Product and Market Development

  • Participate with and support the development of new profitable products that promote Ocean Mist Farms
  • Support the R&D Department to facilitate the effective development of new products for line extensions and maximum visibility

Team Development

  • Selects, trains and develops an effective and efficient staff.  Supervise, support and develop the Sales Manager. Assures accurate and timely reviews for commodity sales personnel
  • Plan, organize and implement team plan for continuous improvement of efficiency and effectiveness
  • Provide Sales Manager and the Commodity Sales Team with professional and personal growth, with an emphasis on opportunities of individuals
  • Hire and train Sales Department in developing their sales skills, customer interactions, business reviews, contract negotiations, terms and compliance

Job Requirements and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Agricultural Economics, or a related field; MBA or other advanced degree preferred
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in sales, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, ideally within the agricultural or fresh produce industry
  • Proven track record in commodity vegetable sales, with demonstrated success in achieving revenue and profitability targets
  • Experience with strategic planning, market analysis, and budget management
    Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to inspire and lead a high-performing sales team
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key clients, industry stakeholders, and team members
  • Analytical mindset, with the ability to review and interpret sales data, identify trends, and adjust strategies to meet business objectives
  • Proficiency in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), sales performance tools, and familiarity with finance and database management software
  • Strong negotiation skills, with experience in contract management and closing high-stakes deals
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, finance, and R&D
  • Results-driven, proactive, and able to adapt to changing market conditions and industry trends
  • Detail-oriented and professional, upholding a high standard of ethical conduct and respect in all business interactions
  • Demonstrates integrity, honesty, and a commitment to upholding company values and guiding principles
  • Willingness and ability to travel frequently to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support company initiatives as required. Ability to travel to all locations and be able to obtain a passport
  • Valid class “C” California Driver’s license and must be insurable is required