Job Description:
In today's avocado market, supply chain diversity is no longer a luxury—it's a strategic necessity. This role presents a rare opportunity to lead the development of a U.S. market presence for a global produce company, backed by exceptional product quality, robust operations, and a bold growth vision. We’re looking for someone who can leverage strong industry relationships to make an immediate impact while charting the strategic course for long-term success.
Our client, an established and rapidly growing vertically integrated grower, packer, and exporter, is poised for a major push into the U.S. market. Known for their premium-quality, sustainably grown fresh produce, they have built a solid foundation in wholesale channels over the past several years. With a vertically integrated supply chain from farm to customer and significant export volume already flowing into the U.S., they are now ready to scale — directly into retail, wholesale, and foodservice markets.
We are seeking a visionary, entrepreneurial sales leader who thrives on building new markets and has the ability to take a world-class product into new channels, establish strong and lasting customer relationships, and lay the groundwork for a scalable sales operation. This is a ground-floor U.S. leadership role with significant influence over strategy, execution, and brand presence in one of the most competitive produce categories.
The Role
As Vice President of Business Development, you will be the architect and driver of our client’s U.S. market strategy, working hand-in-hand with ownership. You’ll combine strategic vision with hands-on execution to:
- Market Entry & Expansion: Develop and execute a growth strategy for penetrating U.S. retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels.
- Client Development: Open doors, establish new accounts, and secure long-term relationships with key buyers.
- Brand Growth: Lead the rollout of a new consumer-facing label in the U.S., elevating visibility and brand recognition.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: Serve as the bridge between international operations and U.S. customers, ensuring seamless delivery, communication, and problem-solving.
- Logistics Coordination: Partner with operations and logistics teams to ensure seamless cold chain management, timely deliveries, and quality preservation.
- Negotiation & Pricing: Develop pricing strategies, proposals, and contracts that drive revenue and profitability.
- Market Intelligence: Track industry trends, competitor activity, and consumer insights to inform strategy.
- Customer Engagement: Represent the company at trade shows, industry events, and customer farm visits abroad to strengthen relationships and drive sales.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven Experience: 10+ years of senior-level sales/business development experience in fresh produce (avocado experience a plus).
- Track Record of Market Growth: Demonstrated success introducing new products or origins into the U.S. market and driving measurable sales growth.
- Industry Network: Established relationships with retail and wholesale produce buyers, with the ability to quickly open doors.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: The drive, creativity, and accountability to act as if this is your own company — building from the ground up with an ownership mentality.
- Strategic & Analytical Skills: Ability to blend data-driven decision-making with creative market positioning.
- Supply Chain Knowledge: Strong understanding of logistics, cold chain processes, and how shipping impacts product quality, delivery timelines, and client trust.
- Language Skills: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working closely with operations and logistics teams to proactively resolve supply chain issues affecting sales commitments.
This search is being managed exclusively by Joe Produce Search. If you’re energized by the challenge of taking a premium global brand into new territory — and you have the vision, relationships, and entrepreneurial drive to make it happen — this is your stage. For the right leader, this isn’t just a career move — it’s the opportunity to build something extraordinary from the ground up.
If you are interested in learning more, 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.
