What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sales Manager position at Pete Pappas & Sons Inc?
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM Saturdays as needed
Status: Exempt
We are seeking a driven and experienced Sales Manager to lead and grow our fresh produce sales operations. This role is responsible for developing strategic plans, expanding market share, and leading a high-performing sales team while maintaining strong customer partnerships across retail, foodservice, and distribution channels.
If you have a passion for the produce industry and a proven ability to drive results through leadership, execution, and relationship management, we want to hear from you.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of sales representatives
- Set clear performance expectations and hold team members accountable
- Conduct regular pipeline reviews and performance check-ins
- Address performance gaps through coaching and structured improvement plans
- Provide ongoing training to enhance product knowledge, selling techniques, and account management
- Onboard and mentor new hires for quick ramp-up and success
- Conduct ride-alongs, call reviews, and coaching sessions
- Execute sales initiatives aligned with company goals and seasonal programs
- Drive revenue growth, margin performance, and pricing discipline
- Monitor sales performance and implement corrective actions as needed
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers (retailers, foodservice, QSRs, distributors)
- Conduct regular customer visits, presentations, and business reviews
- Ensure customer satisfaction and timely issue resolution
- Stay informed on produce categories, seasonality, pricing trends, and quality standards
- Monitor market conditions and competitor activity
- Partner with procurement and operations to align demand and supply
- Prepare and present sales reports to leadership
- Utilize CRM tools to track performance and maintain pipeline accuracy
- Collaborate with operations, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure seamless execution
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field
- 3–5 years of sales experience (produce or perishable goods preferred)
- Proven experience managing or leading a sales team
- Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to analyze market data and forecast trends
- Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office
- Willingness to travel as needed
- Leadership & Team Development
- Strategic Planning
- Customer Service Excellence
- Negotiation & Closing
- Industry Knowledge (Produce / Food Supply Chain)
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
- Office and refrigerated warehouse environment
- Occasional travel for customer visits and industry events
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when necessary
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
Join a growing, fast-paced company in the fresh produce industry where you can make a direct impact on sales growth, team development, and customer success.
REQUIREMENTS
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Pete Pappas & Sons, Inc. is a fourth-generation, family-owned grower, packer, shipper, and distributor of premium produce with more than 80 years of history. What began with a pushcart in 1901 has grown into a dynamic, vertically integrated operation serving retail and foodservice customers across the Mid-Atlantic. Today, we operate a 120,000-square-foot facility in Jessup, Maryland. We remain deeply committed to customer service, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
We are proud of our legacy—but even more excited about our future.
Salary : $80,000 - $120,000