Director of Sales - Watermelons

Legend Produce is a multi-generation highly respected industry leader that caters to the top retailers, wholesalers, and food processors in North America.

With operations in 6 states, we are one of the largest melon shippers in the country. Our family-oriented, privately held company offers a uniquely high-paced and rewarding work environment and culture. Our mission is to bring farm-fresh melons to tables nationwide supported by a commitment to sustainability, innovation and customer satisfaction.

Position Summary:
We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Sales to lead our watermelon sales efforts, manage retail relationships, and drive revenue growth while maintaining outstanding customer service. The Director of Sales will be responsible for developing and executing the sales strategy for the company’s watermelon and other melons portfolio. This individual must have a proven track record in the produce industry, particularly with retail account management and retail program development. The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of watermelon procurement, pricing, merchandising, and must be capable of leading a sales team while maintaining key account relationships with customers, growers and other shippers.

This leadership role will partner with other functions in the company and develop strategies and deploy tactics to attain short, and long-term financial and operational goals.

We prefer the position to be based out of Scottsdale, Arizona but we are open to discussing other work arrangements. The role will require frequent travel to visit customers, growers and partners across the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement national and regional sales strategies for the watermelon category.
• Partner with other melon category managers within the company to complement and grow their programs.
• Manage and grow relationships with major retail accounts, including grocery chains, club stores, food service providers and wholesalers across the US and Canada.
• Identify new business opportunities and negotiate agreements with buyers and category managers.
• Collaborate with procurement, logistics, and marketing teams to ensure timely execution of programs and promotions.
• Monitor market trends, pricing, and competitor activities to inform strategy.
• Provide accurate forecasting, budgeting, and reporting to senior leadership.
• Represent the company at industry trade shows, conferences, and buyer meetings.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of sales professionals focused on growing the melon category.
• Manage and maintain budgets for the department.
• Create reporting needed to evaluate sales team performance.
• Analyze customer and industry data to assist in the creation of strategic direction for the category.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of produce sales experience, with at least 3 years focused specifically on watermelon or other melon categories.
• Proven success in managing retail accounts, with existing relationships in the retail produce space strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of produce distribution, perishability, and seasonality.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 30-50% of the time.

Preferred Attributes:

• Deep industry connections within the retail produce buyer community.
• Experience working with East coast and West coast-based watermelon growers.
• Knowledge of food safety and quality standards relevant to produce distribution.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Agriculture, or equivalent experience.
• MBA or secondary degree.
• Fluent in Spanish.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus structure
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Health insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan available
• Paid time off and holidays
• Relocation assistance to Arizona available for the right candidate