Kitchen Pride Mushroom Farms (KPMF) is a leading American supplier of fresh mushrooms. The Company operates from a state-of-the-art facility in Gonzales, Texas. KPMF grows and sells premium quality white, brown, sliced, and other specialty mushrooms and has assembled a world-class team with decades of growing and operations experience. The Company employs over 250 fulltime team members. KPMF is owned by Sunridge Partners, a leading private investor within the food and agribusiness sector.
More information: www.kitchenpride.com and www.sunridgepartners.com
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent to the position will lead sales, sales operations, business development, and logistics activities at KPMF. The position is part of the senior leadership team at KPMF and reports to CEO.
Primary Responsibilities
- Assume overall leadership and management of the Sales Department and work closely with the CEO, Operations Director, packing department, and others to achieve commercial objectives
- Manage a team of 3 – 4 consisting of the operational Sales Coordinator, a Sales Assistant, and Purchase Manager
- Proactively nurture and develop relationships with existing KPMF customers; provide prompt solutions and service to customers working collaboratively with the broader KPMF team
- Develop and originate new customer relationships to improve margins and/ or place volumes from future expansions
- Lead other business development initiatives including evaluating new product opportunities, partnerships and JVs, and more
- Oversight of day-to-day logistics and operations for the sales and delivery of fresh mushrooms
- Work closely with the broader KPMF team on the sales strategy, competitor intelligence and benchmarking, and other ad hoc analysis
- Initiate and manage Sales Department strategic initiatives, including implementation of a new a new CRM system and other projects, to develop and professionalize the organization
- Represent KPMF at various industry trade shows, food shows, etc.
- Spend time with the compost, growing, harvesting, packing, and other teams to learn KPMF’s business
Other Position Parameters
- Location – Based in Gonzales, Texas at KPMF’s offices. We could also consider a hybrid work structure (part work from home, part at KPMF offices). For clarity, on a monthly basis, there would be the expectation that at least half of all working days are from KPMF offices. Must live or be willing to relocate to a location within 2 hours drive of Gonzales, Texas.
- Travel – Regular travel to meet customers
We are seeking an ambitious individual with the following skillsets and personal characteristics:
Skills required
- 10 years+ of sales experience and a track record of originating new sales relationships. Preference for an individual with sales experience (i) in fresh produce/food and (ii) to major supermarkets
- Highly motivated and passionate about sales and business development
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
- Able to think strategically, analytically and creatively
- A quick learner who is inquisitive by nature
Personal characteristics required
- Able to thrive in an agile and results oriented corporate environment
- High physical and intellectual energy and sense of urgency
- Unquestioned honesty and integrity
- Flexible, straightforward and prepared to work the hours needed to succeed in the role
Education
- Bachelor’s degree (preferred)
OFFER
- A competitive base salary and a performance-based bonus plan
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid vacation
