Commodity & Sales Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Commodity & Sales Manager will be responsible for current and new business development for their assigned customer base. The ideal candidate has an extensive Produce background, a passion for securing new business, and an ability to develop strong customer relationships. In addition to day-to-day management of assigned accounts, this is a dynamic role that requires strong and consistent customer interaction.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Daily coordination and direction of sales team, field harvest, inventory management, market direction and ad/lid pricing.
• Remain posted on all aspects of your commodity(s) and keep the sales team and senior leadership posted.
• Collect market information for various items across different grades and sizes and communicate in efficient manner to team
• Responsible for assisting in developing and sustaining relationships with customers, grower-partners, sales team, production team, and other supply lines.
• Evaluate daily/weekly production updates/reports and maintain acceptable inventory levels while keeping aging in check.
• Develop and manage analytical tools as needed
• Develop new accounts or new product opportunities within existing accounts.
• Develop knowledge of VA product line and exploit opportunities with new customers and existing customers.
• Maintain strong awareness of the Company’s philosophy, marketing strategies, and short/long term goals.
• Ability to determine market pricing and availability to procure products and maintain profitability.
• Initiate, develop, execute, and maintain sales for designated accounts across total product offering including all grades and sizes
• Be knowledgeable of food safety, food security, and related regulatory requirements, assuring communication to and compliance by partners and growers.
• Maintain relevant customer data in customer relationship management program
• Work with customers and accounting to resolve deductions and to enforce payment terms with regards to both days paid and credit balances
• Resolve all claims and arrival problems through proper documentation, inspections and communication with supply chain members in a timely basis
• Ability to Cross train with other duties to assist the rest of the staff as needed
• Other tasks might be assigned

SKILL / QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• 5 years of proven transactional sales experience
• Knowledge and experience with PACA rules and how to manage business accordingly
• Must be able to sell/develop new business as well as manage accounts
• Must have a good understanding of order system software (in-house and online)
• Must understand overall company sales priorities and work in a collaborative way to support the highest overall company profitability
• Must be versed in sales techniques, on the phone, in person, and in negotiation skills
• Proficient knowledge in Microsoft Office
• Must be a team player with a can-do attitude
• Ability to think quick on your feet
• Must be able think outside of the normal process
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the proven ability to work with everyone, from the field/warehouse, to customer, team-members, management, and ownership
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Must have a strong work ethic. Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to analyze consumer data to optimize sales efforts
• Knowledge of trends and regulations in their specific industry
• Ability to effectively communicate with clients and staff members
• Able to work with other department heads to develop effective marketing strategies
• Self-Starter
• Reliable and Trustworthy

Nothing in this job description restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibility to this job at any time.