Mann Packing Company is a pioneer in the fresh-cut produce industry and one of North America’s leading suppliers of fresh produce to the retail, foodservice and wholesale markets.
We are committed to food safety, quality assurance and employee wellness. Mr. Mann always said, "Our future depends on a good reputation for a quality pack supported through merchandising. We survive ever-growing competition because of our adherence to quality. We give our customers full value and treat them fairly. This is why we continue to grow."
We have an immediate opening for a Director of Business Development – Fresh Leaf Farms in Salinas CA.
As the Director of Business Development – Fresh Leaf Farms you will be responsible for growing sales and profit margins at Fresh Leaf Farms by connecting the needs of the marketplace with the core capabilities of the business.
A successful candidate will be the conduit for a continuous feedback loop between field and fork, with the ability to both push and pull products through the supply chain.
- Minimum 5 to 6 years of related Produce or CPG or foodservice marketing experience.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent vendor management skills; negotiation skills.
- Ability to direct projects and work within cross-functional teams.
- Ability to multi-task and work well under time constraints.
- Ability to track down data from internal sources in a professional but persistent manner.
- Ability to think strategically, creatively, and analytically.
- Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiencies in all Microsoft Applications including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
- This position requires the ability and willingness to travel via car to affiliate field and production facilities.
- Take the lead in the new product development process from concept through introduction under the direction of the Vice President of Foodservice Sales and Marketing.
- Collaborate with the Retail Sales and Marketing team to execute new product projects, as well as provide continuous information flow regarding cutting edge capabilities.
- Work closely with, and lead internal cross-functional teams to drive the development of new products and project assignments.
- Collaborate with FLF GM and Cost accountant to fully understand margin drivers of entire FLF product portfolio and incorporate that knowledge directionally into sales and new product strategies.
- Collaborate with FLF operations team to identify process improvements, efficiencies and optimization where apparent.
- Work with culinary teams and experts to identify, test and commercialize new products.
- Utilize market research to help identify and test new products for Foodservice, Retail or Club.
- Work with various product vendors to identify new ingredients, packaging and processing opportunities and trends.
- Position Mann/Fresh Leaf Farms as the leader in bringing packaging innovation to the marketplace.
- Provide feedback to R&D on our competitive positioning as it pertains to shelf life, pinking and other quality characteristics that will steer post-harvest technological enhancement efforts.
- Assist in preparation of new product launches including development of sales samples and selling kits. Attend sales presentations as needed.
- Work with the sales team as needed to identify customer opportunities, including co-pack opportunities.
