Informally known as Kopke, “William H Kopke Jr. Inc” is a fourth-generation family-owned company that was founded in 1937 by its namesake. For over 85 years, Kopke has imported the finest fruits from all over the world for distribution throughout North America. As a leading importer of fresh fruit from around the globe, the company continues to focus on bringing the finest imported products to the United States and Canada. Family values such as integrity, honesty, and hard work are the cornerstones on which the company was built and proudly continues to successfully operate.
Responsible for the development and management of produce assortment, pricing, and promotional strategy in partnership with the VP of Category Management and Sr. Category Manager as needed. Responsible for actively leading the avocado category to achieve the Company’s vision of delivering exceptional value for our customers/vendors and exporters/growers. Own and manage the sales, business growth, and vendor relationships across this category. Besides the avocado category management, the candidate is expected to sell and market all Kopke commodities as needed.
Job Specifications
- Responsible for the full P&L for the avocado categories
- Manage product life cycle from procurement to marketing to completion and final payment
- Responsible for the monthly review and reporting of all aspects of the category’s product and KPIs managed
- Responsible for business development with existing customers as well as new potential activity. Partner closely with SVP when procuring/reviewing new leads.
- Develop strategies and execute plans that will further the company’s mission, metrics, and business strategy
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Develop, grow, and maintain strong relationships with customers/clients/vendors/
exporters/growers - Work with customers and the Kopke team to develop sales and promotional plans to meet category goals and objectives.
- Work closely with Kopke Operations and planning teams to manage inventory and ensure availability.
- Sell daily inventory of avocados and other commodities offered by the Organization as needed.
- Be actively engaged and involved in the full cycle from actively selling to following up on the payment, AR process
- Other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Minimum 5+ years of fresh produce experience (in buying & selling roles) with specific focus on avocados
- Great negotiation skills and category advancements
- Experience managing and creating new categories of business in alignment with the company’s vision and strategy
- Initiative-taker, resourceful, great work ethic, and high integrity
- Excellent planning, execution, and project management skills
- Critical thinker, strong financial acumen
- Strong team player
Work Location and expectations:
- Flexibility required according to business needs
- Travel as needed
William H. Kopke Jr. Inc offers a competitive compensation package and tremendous potential with an ever-growing family business operating for over 85 years.
