National Sales & Commercial Manager

Exciting opportunity to run an established office in the US market for a well-established and vertically-integrated International Grower/Shipper/Exporter of fresh tropicals. The company has strong production, a very solid grower base, and significant experience shipping globally.

The overall goals of the position are to further develop the North American office, manage the logistics components, and create sales programs with retail grocery chains, wholesalers, processors and foodservice suppliers. This role will be the face of the organization and represent commercial affairs in the U.S and Canada.

We are seeking an entrepreneurial and experienced professional who has strong knowledge of the import business; has solid relationships with retail chains; wholesalers, processors and would like the opportunity to facilitate the growth of a company.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities Include

• Growth, enhance and manage the North American (NA) Sales office. Operating nationwide across the U.S. and Canada.
• Manage the sales, logistics, and finance/accounting responsibilities for the NA office, reporting to Sr. Leadership.
• Develop and maintain strong category market intelligence for the U.S. and Canadian markets. Have a solid understanding of:  Other marketers, importers, wholesalers, and any other players having a similar structure in NA;  main growers, growing regions, product presentations, target markets;  Market pricing, transportation costs, and other market variables, logistics and any alternative to optimize the cost structure is a must.

• Develop sales relationships with retail grocery chains, club stores, wholesale grocers, and retail-focused wholesalers:  Develop and grow programs through effective marketing and sales efforts; maximize grower returns is a must.

• Manage logistics and distribution:  Reduce costs, maximize efficiencies, and establish good practices throughout the import distribution, warehouse, and value chain long term is a must;  optimize logistics and handling practices to minimize damage and maximize the satisfactions of the customers.

Qualifications And Skills Sought

• Accomplished background developing and managing sales with a variety of customer segments. (Retail, wholesale, Foodservice, Processors, etc.)
• 5+ years’ experience with imported and/or domestic tropical commodities.
• Track record of year-over-year business growth along with category knowledge; including: product presentation, target markets, quality conditions and issues, handling, distributing, etc.
• Fully bilingual in Spanish is required.

• Strong understanding of import logistics and customs as well as knowledge of international fruit growing regions, quality characteristics and issues, product shelf life, shipping & handling characteristics, and pack styles.

• Strong overall produce business knowledge including profitability, margins, costs, etc.
• Solid Microsoft Office skills: Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

Please contact Rich, rich@producecareers.com