Job Description:
The National Import Sales Manager is responsible for generating new customers, building customer relationships and driving new business across North America by leveraging our full suite of products and services related to fresh produce. The import sales manager will strategically target companies in Food Service and Retail within the North American market, to promote and sell MFP products and services in accordance with organizational sales policies and processes. The National Import Sales Manager is also responsible to report potential issues to the Senior Director of Sales/Marketing.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- A bachelor’s degree in business administration is highly preferred or equivalent years of experience.
- A minimum of three years of successful sales/business development experience in the produce industry and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience, or the ability to successfully perform the duties within 90 days of employment is required. Marketing and sales experience is a plus.
- Ability to utilize QuickBooks and Microsoft Office programs including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook is required. Proficiency with Famous software preferred
- Proficiency in operations of standard office equipment such as computer, laptop, printer, copier, scanner, fax machine, cell phone, multi-line phone system and other standard office equipment is required.
- Excellent customer service skills, positive attitude, and honesty & integrity to ensure everyone has a great impression of, and experience with, Market Fresh Produce.
- Knowledge of broad-line produce industry (wholesale, food service, restaurants and hospitality) and specifically in the Southeastern market area.
- Willingness and ability to sell both inside (phone and email solicitation) and outside (face-to-face meetings, proposals and closings).
- Strong orientation, relationship building, negotiation skills and business acumen.
- Effective communication skills to liaise across all levels of the organization.
- Ability to collaborate internally with all levels of sales team.
- Belief in, and support of, the company vision and program.
- Superior work ethic.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Advanced problem solving and analytical skills.
- Strong organizational and planning skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Self-motivated, competitive, and goal-oriented; able to work successfully outside a traditional office setting and manage time efficiently.
- Ability to work under pressure, multi-task and prioritize work.
- Team oriented.
- Ability to travel for company business; a minimum of 3 days per week, including overnight travel. Some travel would be required on weekends on a limited basis.
- Signed acceptance of the Market Fresh Produce Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreement.
- Market Fresh Produce’s receipt, approval & acceptance of the incumbent’s background check.
- Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is preferred, but not required.
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Primary contact internally and externally for all customers assigned to this region.
- Seek out and develop new leads both retail and food service clients as well as other opportunities to expand our sales/profits.
- Monitor in report form, sales by customer and region on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, looking for positive and/or negative trends, along with supporting action plans.
- Responsible for driving all sales efforts by promoting the Market Fresh Produce branded products within North America, or as directed by Senior Director of Sales and Marketing
- Develop and maintain good rapport with new and existing customers.
- Responsible to support all ongoing Market Fresh Produce strategic marketing plans, margin goals and business objectives as directed by management.
- Attend and support any and all approved Trade Expos, as well as Customer expo events as directed by Management.
- Support any special projects as they arise and are assigned.
- Continually monitor client satisfaction, and document feedback to be shared immediately with sourcing, operations, finance and management as appropriate.
- Work closely with sourcing and marketing to oversee sale sheets and ongoing marketing presentations.
- Prospect new business, combining knowledge of prospective customers with best practices to gain access to key stakeholders.
- Independently qualify potential sales opportunities to include the full scope of customer potential.
- Lead face-to-face meetings and proposals with customers at all levels.
- Design and develop tailored solutions to customers focused on delivering value and supporting the customer’s business.
- Engage internal resources on pricing strategy and account implementation plans to ensure customer service and operational excellence.
- Engage in self-development and training opportunities, both internal and external.
- Quality assurance inspections of MFP products shipping from designated growing regions.
