The fresh produce department is a primary point of differentiation between grocery retailers and as such innovation in produce is strategic to many in the industry. As the world’s largest investor in fruit and vegetable R&D, Monsanto has an array of products that can help grocery retailers execute on their produce strategy. The challenge however is in connecting our portfolio and capabilities in fruit and vegetable seed to the needs of the produce distributor and retailer. To meet this challenge, Monsanto has a team of people that work across the produce value chain, linking the desire of the customer with the best product and producers. We are seeking an experienced professional to join us in this effort. The Strategic Account Manager role will be based in St. Louis, Missouri and will work with a number of key accounts across produce distribution, retail and foodservice.
The Strategic Account Manager will be responsible for growing the market share, profitability and sales volume of Monsanto’s vegetable seeds business with assigned Grower/Packer/Shipper (GPS) accounts. The position will focus on building strategic relationships with decision makers at assigned Grower/Packer/Shipper and will incorporate Monsanto strategy into the strategic direction of assigned GPS’s to develop a comprehensive business plan, providing success for both companies.
Additionally, this role will be assigned to work with a select number of key grocery retail and foodservice accounts to establish MVS as a leader in the industry and to create pull effect for our current and pipeline of products. While not directly transactional in nature, account activities will result in a pull effect inside the fresh produce chain to create demand for our current and near-term (1-2 year) portfolio, targeting commodity, specialty and consumer-branded produce. The individual will gain an in-depth knowledge of the produce strategy of their key accounts and be able to recommend both reactively and proactively products to meet the needs of their accounts.
This role will be extremely collaborative with sales organization as there will be a sales rep assigned to each Strategic GPS Account as well. The Strategic Account Manager and sales rep will work jointly on GPS goals and business objectives; a mutual plan will be created and executed against. The Strategic Account Manager role will be more in nature to focus on the marketing, sales departments and senior leaders inside the Strategic GPS Account. While the sales representative’s role is more in nature to support GPS field level production decision makers it must be a cohesive collaborative approach to the account to drive overall business results and providing top class customer experience. Focus will be on director of produce levels at grocer retail and food service.
- Minimum of a BS degree (or equivalent) in Agriculture, Business or a related field
- Minimum of 6 years of demonstrated success in sales, business strategy or account management role(s)
- Demonstrated ability to initiate and cultivate 3rd party relationships
- Strong Product Management skills
- Demonstrated problem solver
- Strong written and oral communication, interpersonal and organizational skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Results- orientation, attention to detail
- Ability to influence others outside of direct reporting structure.
- Ability to travel independently up to 40%
Desired Skills/Experience:
- Experience working in the produce value chain
- Knowledge of key produce crops, especially tomato
- Working knowledge of the vegetable seed industry
- Minimum of a BS degree (or equivalent) in Agriculture, Business or a related field
