Are you a dynamic sales professional with a knack for identifying market opportunities and a deep understanding of the retail landscape? Do you thrive on the hustle of wholesale distribution and possess a strategic mindset for both selling and sourcing the best fresh produce? Joe Produce Search is seeking a Senior Sales & Buying Specialist to join the team at Maui Fresh International, a leader in providing exceptional service and fresh, quality produce since 1994.
This pivotal role will leverage your extensive knowledge of the fresh produce market to drive sales growth and achieve gross margin targets through your expert selling and buying skills. You'll be instrumental in developing and maintaining strong customer and vendor relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Maui Fresh International offers a dynamic, results-oriented environment where the pace is fast and integrity is paramount. They prioritize strong vendor relationships, clear goals, and straightforward management that fosters transparency and open communication. With deep industry knowledge and a commitment to delivering excellence, Maui Fresh values not only business success but also the success of its customers. The direct involvement of leadership with the sales team ensures consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
Responsibilities
As a Sales & Buying Expert, you'll be a key player in both driving sales and optimizing procurement for Maui Fresh. Your sales responsibilities include:
- Identifying and developing new accounts and securing long-term contracts.
- Consistently meeting or exceeding sales and margin goals through active product promotion and strategic account planning.
- Building and maintaining strong customer relationships through in-person calls and events.
- Ensuring products meet specifications and are delivered on time, promptly addressing customer inquiries or issues.
- Achieving gross margin targets by setting product pricing, providing market updates, and collaborating on promotions.
On the buying side, you'll be responsible for sourcing the freshest produce efficiently and cost-effectively. This includes:
- Identifying, evaluating, and establishing relationships with reliable suppliers.
- Negotiating contracts and terms and monitoring performance to ensure quality and timely delivery.
- Staying ahead of market trends, analyzing demand, and managing inventory to prevent shortages.
- Overseeing purchasing budgets and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
- Utilizing data to make informed purchasing and selling decisions that enhance customer satisfaction and expand market opportunities.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess a high sense of urgency and a relentless drive to achieve goals, underpinned by a commitment to integrity and company values. You should be resilient in overcoming challenges, possess exceptional active listening and communication skills (verbal and written), and demonstrate strong follow-through and prioritization abilities. Efficient time management, a curious and innovative mindset, and a confident, optimistic outlook are also crucial.
We're looking for a professional with:
- Comprehensive knowledge of the fresh produce market, including commodities, growing regions, seasons, and sources.
- Established relationships with key regional and national retailers and a proven ability to secure new business.
- At least 5+ years of successful key account sales experience as a broker or working for a distributor in the produce industry.
- Proven experience in both buying and selling fresh produce.
- Expertise in at least one commodity.
- Strong sales and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated success in face-to-face sales, including key account management.
This search is being managed exclusively by Joe Produce Search.This role offers an exciting opportunity for a results-oriented professional to make a significant impact within a respected and growing company in the fresh produce industry. If you're ready to bring your expertise in both sales and buying to a dynamic team, we encourage you to apply!
Send your resume to recruiting@joeproduce.com
Our company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.
This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.
