[Hiring] Sales Development Manager @Okanagan Specialty Fruits

Role Description

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.

Qualifications

• 4-yr college degree in business, ag-business, ag-marketing or related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in produce sales and account management functions.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Manage 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.