Job Description:
The Vice President of Sales is responsible for driving business development and sales. You’ll drive the creation of programs, product launches and the daily management of all sales activities. To be clear, you’re stepping into a newly-created role in a nearly two year old profitable business….with tons of capacity. This company is run by its small team of capable founders, and is funded in part with venture capital. The team, including the CEO, are all hands on and work closely together to make things happen. They want the VP of Sales to be exactly that way too. As revenues grow, the VP will hire sales-team members to help in the sales effort. In the beginning it’s YOU, but you’re NOT alone. The rest of the team will help as needed. This is no “Ivory Tower” position. You will be selling and making it happen. You need be one of those people who finds solutions and gets stuff done. And then, as the business can support it, you’ll be hiring salespeople and helping them be successful. If you don’t have that entrepreneurial spirit and energy, then please don’t waste your time. If you do, keep on reading!
Of course, selling branded and private label dips, dressings and juices into the fresh produce department of retail grocers is what they do, and they’re thinking bigger! Food Service, Clubs, Institutions and more. As for products, there are endless possibilities that they can produce! They’re quite innovative!
Intrigued? There’s more. Our client wants the right person. This person will be well compensated in terms of salary, bonus, and have the opportunity for equity! What’s more, there is potential for upward mobility as well. With growth and success, comes opportunities!
If starting off with a nearly clean slate excites you and you have the experience, skills, drive and passion to “make a dent in the (produce) universe,” then let’s talk!
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Requirements:
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10+ years of sales and marketing leadership experience in the produce industry with a successful track record of building and coaching highly productive teams.
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Familiarity with value-added products sold in the produce department - experience with value-added produce and/or dressings and dips a strong plus!
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A well-established book of business in retail, wholesale and food service.
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Highly knowledgeable about the latest consumer trends in produce and food.
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Proven ability to sell a value-based program including value/pricing ratio.
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Team oriented and comfortable working in geographically dispersed, vertically integrated business with all areas of supply chain including a marketing and research team.
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Extensive knowledge of all consumer groupings and understanding of the segmentation, including demographics and other applicable characteristics.
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Extensive knowledge of branding and the ability to translate the corporate story into the value proposition of each targeted consumer group.
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Understanding of applicable concepts including Fresh, Clean, Local, Food Safety, Sustainability, and Non-GMO.
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Knowledgeable of sustainable products including packaging, logistics, and delivery.
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Comfortable with basic accounting principles as well as more strategic financial planning and analysis.
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Excellent interpersonal communication skills with ability to make sound decisions and solve problems in a confident, decisive manner.
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Ability to travel for sales meetings and conferences as needed.
Responsibilities & Duties:
- As a member of the Sr. Leadership Team you will be part of the decision-making process at the highest level, including but not limited to long/short term planning, strategy, capex, company direction, product development, etc.
- Maintain and develop relationships with customers in an effort to market the company's sales, programs and contracts in a manner designed to generate the highest possible return to the growers.
- Seek out new accounts and revenue-generating opportunities that support the company’s mission and create sustainable growth for their company.
- Hire, develop and manage a network of food brokers, and as the business grows, Regional Sales Managers and Support.
- Develop and improve operational systems that increase efficiency and profitability across the sales process.
- Develop, mentor, and lead the sales, marketing and support teams.
- Lead by example and doing, in all areas, including dealing with people and customer service.
- Develop annual sales plans to drive revenue and increase market share.
- Drive and lead continuous development and refinement of the processes, procedures, systems and protocols.
- Constantly monitor the competitive landscape and market conditions to identify opportunities, issues, and risks in order to recommend tactical strategies.
- Provide the highest level of integrity and promote a positive company image inside and outside the organization.
- Create sales and margin goals.
- Develop and leverage sales and margin performance analytics that help continually increase sales and profitability.
- Closely monitor the market and competition and advise the leadership team on changes in the market (i.e. competitive pricing, new products, etc.).
- Seek out, plan, and attend industry and customer-specific trade shows, conferences, and meetings with prospective and existing customers.
Ideal Candidate:
Our client is seeking an accomplished sales leader with successful leadership experience in the produce industry. Ideally, with value-added and UPC’d products. This is a unique opportunity to have an impact on the company, the industry and the consumer.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated high-level sales leadership, vision, creativity, possess the ability to think outside the box and contribute to the company culture which is open and innovative. They are looking for someone who will roll up their sleeves and do what it takes to get the job done each day.
This is a role that requires an entrepreneurial spirit. This opportunity requires vision, drive, can-do-it-ness, self-motivation, and the utmost integrity. That said, they want a team player, consensus builder, and leader.
Why work for this company?
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They’re good people looking to work with other good people! They pride ourselves on respecting everyone on their team and ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to maximize their potential for the business.
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The company is structured as a B Corp, which means that they are concerned about growing sales and at the same time making a positive societal impact.
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You will have the chance to be an entrepreneur in a supported environment, with full discretion on developing both branded and private label sales.
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They’re cutting edge! They’re changing the way things are done in their respective categories, and they want someone who is passionate about helping them maximize their impact.
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They provide great health insurance…...you can work from home…..and equity will be part of the compensation for the right candidate.
This Job has a $1,000 Referral Reward!
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If you would like to discuss this job opportunity in 100% confidentiality with a Joe Produce Search Consultant, please call Recruiting at 855-563-7763, or email recruiting@joeproduce.com |
