Overview:

An industry leading, vertically integrated Grower/Packer/Shipper/Importer is in growth mode and adding an accomplished retail business development pro with avocado or related category expertise to join their sales team. This company is one of the largest avocado suppliers in North America, with full control of their entire supply chain. This is a terrific opportunity for a proactive salesperson with a talent for developing contracted retail programs.

This position can be based in one of their Southern California offices (preferred) or remotely, with regular travel.

Position Responsibilities:

• Identify and develop new business opportunities with national & regional retail customers.
• Build relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors, partners, and vendors.
• Manage key client relationships and work to build new ones.
• Manage the sales and marketing functions of a business to maximize returns and expand a business brand.

• Identify & troubleshoot issues. Propose solutions to problems instead of waiting for others to provide solutions, while working cohesively with management and team.
• Participate in industry and sales meetings to provide recommendations and input on business strategies.
• Keep customers and prospects updated on state of business and industry changes, such as weather shifts and growing region transitions.

  Desired Skills & Characteristics:

• “Hunter” sales personality, self-starter, interested in prospecting and landing new customers.
• Takes initiative, work proactively and consistently to identify and capture new opportunities.
• Relationship builder. Has a good sense of the level of consistency to be in touch with prospective retail customers. Uses the phone, takes customer visits, attends trade shows, as well as utilizes email and electronic communication to build business prospects and customers.
• Constant and consistent learner. Talks with team, customers, industry members, not afraid to ask questions. Stays abreast of industry changes, category developments, and trends.
• Self-motivated. Works successfully in a small team environment that isn’t micro-managed.
• Must be well organized, able to handle multiple priorities, attention to details.
• Ability to excel in a hands-on, fast paced environment.
• Strong communication skills and follow-through.

• Strong forecasting skills, maintain consistent communication with management and supply team.

Requirements Include:

• 5+ years of retail sales experience with demonstrated success developing business. Avocado category experience is strongly preferred but will consider related fruit category experience. (tropicals, mango, citrus, etc.)
• Strong relationships with avocado buyers and category managers within retail and related customer bases.
• Knowledge of retail customer quality & sizing preferences, to minimize rejections.
• Experience with ERP systems like Produce Pro, Famous, or other systems.
• Consistent travel to customers, trade shows, industry events. Potential travel to shipping points and routine time spent in company offices (depending on candidate’s location.) Apprx. 50% travel for these functions.

The base salary the company may reasonably expect to pay for this role is $140,000 to $180,000. The actual salary for this role will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s skills and experience. The base salary range does not include other compensation elements, which will compose the total compensation package, or other benefits available to the position.