The Produce Industry's Executive Recruiting Partner
Joe Produce Search is the trusted executive recruiting partner for the produce industry and adjacent sectors. From C-suite to sales, we deliver growth leaders aligned to your culture and built for the job.
Who We Are
Rooted in produce, we're an executive search firm with deep industry fluency and a proven track record. We match leaders to roles and cultures through a people-first, thoughtful, and confidential process that delivers results. Whether you're building out a new division or replacing a key leader, we bring the network, insight, and discretion to get it right.
What We Do
We help you hire high-impact leaders and top individual contributors who add structure, scale teams, sharpen systems, and improve the bottom line.
15+
Years in Produce Recruiting
200+
Executive Placements
250+
Produce Companies Served
30K+
Industry Professionals in Our Network
Executive Search
We place C-level executives, VPs, and senior leadership across the produce industry and adjacent sectors. From CEOs to division heads, we find leaders who align with your culture and drive measurable results.
Specialized Recruiting
Beyond the C-suite, we recruit sales leaders, supply chain managers, procurement specialists, food safety directors, finance executives, and production managers. Every role is filled through our deep industry network and rigorous vetting process.
Candidate Introductions
Through our EQIQ program, we proactively introduce exceptional candidates to our network. When we encounter a proven leader actively exploring new opportunities, we connect them with companies that could benefit from their expertise.
Meet Our EQiQ Candidates
EQiQ stands for Exclusive Quick Introductions to Qualified Professionals. We regularly connect with individuals who distinguish themselves among their peers and are open to considering the right next career move. Through this program, we make timely, mutually confidential introductions between proven talent and hiring leaders when the fit is right. When a candidate catches your interest, contact our team to learn more.
Candidate Details
Click a candidate card above to view their full profile.
VP of Sourcing & Supply Chain
✓ 20+ years global produce leadership
✓ Farm-to-fork sourcing strategy builder
✓ Turnaround expert improving margins fast
A seasoned global produce executive with 20+ years of hands-on leadership across farming, importing, sourcing, distribution, food safety, and end-to-end supply chain management throughout the Americas. Known for building farm-to-fork sourcing strategies, strengthening grower partnerships, and negotiating large-scale contracts while protecting quality, compliance, and service. This leader has successfully driven profitability turnarounds in produce import and distribution environments. A strong fit for a CEO/GM or senior supply chain role within a mid-sized produce company seeking measurable profitability gains.
VP of Operations
✓ Hands-on value-added operations leader
✓ Scales plants, improves yield, throughput
✓ Cuts labor, OT, boosts service
A plant-centric operations leader with deep experience in value-added produce and fresh-cut manufacturing, blending an engineering mindset with day-to-day floor leadership. This candidate has designed and scaled facilities, launched new value-added programs, and improved labor productivity, yield, and on-time service through disciplined planning. Known for systematically dialing in efficiencies: reducing overtime through smarter scheduling, improving shipping/receiving flow, and lowering avoidable costs. Well-suited for a VP Ops/COO-track role at a large processing operation.
Commodity Account Manager
✓ 9 years exceeding sales targets
✓ Builds strong grower partnerships quickly
✓ Balances supply, demand, weekly plans
A results-oriented commodity account manager with nine years of consistent performance, known for exceeding sales targets while expanding market presence. This candidate excels at building durable grower relationships, navigating shifting market dynamics, and executing growth initiatives that improve both revenue and operational outcomes. Especially strong as a strategic connector between supply and sales. Ideal for a growing organization that wants a confident commercial operator who can strengthen partnerships and help scale profitable growth.
Chief Revenue Officer
✓ CPG-to-produce growth accelerator
✓ Builds high-performing commercial teams
✓ Leads transitions; drives market expansion
A next-generation commercial leader who brings the speed and discipline of a CPG background to fresh and value-added produce growth. With broad experience across retail, foodservice, and international channels, this candidate is known for translating strategy into execution — building teams, strengthening go-to-market plans, and accelerating category performance. They thrive in organizations at an inflection point. Best suited for a company seeking a modern, energetic CRO who can scale commercial capability and drive measurable expansion across channels.
Sales-Driving President
✓ 20+ years produce executive leadership
✓ Change management and team developer
✓ Deep network; strong customer relationships
A highly regarded produce executive with 20+ years of leadership and a reputation for excellent references, deep industry relationships, and a broad network. This candidate brings strong experience across retail, wholesale, and foodservice sectors, with particular strength in customer relationships, program development, and leading teams through change. A strong fit for a President/GM-style role where relationship-driven growth, organizational development, and program excellence are essential.
VP of Sales
✓ Hands-on leader; leads by example
✓ Develops teams; trusted brand ambassador
✓ Drives program execution and budgets
A dedicated, hands-on sales leader who prioritizes team development and leads from the front — serving as a strong brand ambassador internally and externally. Highly effective at connecting with diverse audiences and building a culture that supports performance, accountability, and customer trust. Especially strong in program execution and delivering results across the U.S. and Canada, including success with many major retail chains. A great fit for an organization that wants disciplined execution, strong leadership presence, and consistent customer outcomes.
Retail Sales Expert
✓ 10+ years produce sales experience
✓ Import/distribution expertise, key commodities
✓ Wins new markets and expands lines
A high-energy produce sales professional with more than a decade of experience focused on importing and distributing key commodities to major retailers. Skilled in navigating complex sales cycles and building lasting relationships with top industry customers. Has a proven track record of penetrating new markets, expanding product lines, and hitting sales targets through consistent execution and customer-first relationship management. Best suited for a growth-minded team looking to deepen retail partnerships and accelerate revenue.
VP of Ag Ops
✓ High-growth & turnaround operations exec
✓ Builds scalable ag operations systems
✓ Improves reliability, efficiency, profitability
A hands-on, systems-driven leader who brings structure to fast-moving agricultural organizations. Known for stabilizing performance, improving planning and accountability, and developing leaders who can sustain growth. Their approach combines field-level practicality with executive-level strategy and strong operational cadence. Best suited for companies needing a steady operational backbone — someone who can tighten execution, guide teams through change, and build the foundation for scalable growth without sacrificing quality or culture.
Our Process
Every engagement follows a structured, confidential process designed to deliver the right leader for your organization. We take the time to understand your culture, goals, and the specific leadership qualities that will drive results.
We begin by deeply understanding your organization, its culture, strategic goals, and the specific leadership profile that will succeed in the role. This alignment phase is the foundation of every successful placement.
Leveraging our deep industry network, we identify and thoroughly vet candidates who match your requirements. Every candidate is evaluated for culture fit, track record, and leadership potential before they ever reach your desk.
We manage the introduction, interview coordination, and offer process with discretion and care. Our support continues through onboarding to ensure a successful transition and long-term results for both client and candidate.
Ready to Find Your Next Leader?
Whether you're filling a critical leadership gap or planning for growth, our team is ready to connect you with the right talent. Reach out to start a conversation about your hiring needs.
