Sales Development Manager The Sales Development Manager is responsible for managing brokers and strategic key accounts across all channels: retail, food service, wholesale/distributor, K-12, hospitality, and convenience. By executing the strategic sales plan, this role drives profitable growth through strong business relationships and a deep understanding of key account needs. Leveraging skills in communication, category management, and supply chain, the manager delivers innovative solutions to business partners. Success in this role requires effectiveness in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and active participation in cross-functional initiatives.
Position Requirements- 4-yr college degree in business, ag-business, ag-marketing or related field.
- 5+ years' experience in produce sales and account management functions, as well as experience in working in a collaborative atmosphere with various departments within the organization.
- Strong sales acumen paired with a strategic, holistic approach to category management, sales forecasting, and key account development.
- Strong comprehensive knowledge of all channels within the industry.
- Knowledge of school k-12 business, DoD contracts and overall USDA school programs.
- Understanding of value-added produce products.
- Develop new business and monitor sales support systems to ensure business retention.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel). CRM software experience highly preferred.
- Creative thinking with the ability to resolve problems and conflicts with customers.
- Excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task and work under tight deadlines with strong attention to detail.
- Self-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with customers and consumers about our brand.
- The ability to leverage past and current professional relationships to further succeed in achieving sales targets.
- Ability to travel by air, train, car as situation dictates.
Position Responsibilities- Lead external communication with assigned key strategic accounts through various means, such as business reviews, joint business planning, and forecasting to enhance sales performance and continuous product portfolio growth.
- Collaborate with the sales team to support and deliver go-to-market strategies, while providing solutions for issues pertinent to business success.
- Mange customer pricing in line with budget targets.
- Accountable for account forecasts and estimated growth plans and develop mutual key performance indicators with customers to achieve sales success.
- Responsible for collaboration with the marketing team in building, implementing, and executing promotional calendars and other promotional activities, to increase sales movement and generated revenue.
- Maintain a thorough working knowledge of all programs and a complete awareness and understanding of the industry as it pertains to competition, markets, products, pricing and trends.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, brokers, and various stakeholders, by proactively responding to special requests and proactively managing day-to-day key issues and challenges.
- Effectively track in CRM and communicate all follow up customers' activities for sales team members, assuring the Director of Sales is up to date on status on all activities.
- Use a variety of data sources, such as internal sales reports, Nielsen data and market trends to collaboratively develop and suggest avenues for growth with business partners.
- Actively participate in all Sales team meetings and reporting.
- Attend relevant sales functions activities, such as exhibits, trade shows, and other events as requested.
- Work closely with all internal team members, brokers and external customers to ensure high customer satisfaction.
- Complete other tasks as assigned by supervisor.
