GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the Director of Sales, this position is responsible for maintaining daily business with existing accounts and developing new business opportunities. Additionally, this role is responsible for maintaining orderly flow of produce from the field to the customer base, as well as a reliable flow of information from Ag to sales staff and industry outlets.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION:
• Manage the day-to-day contact with existing customers, maintaining a constant flow of Dole products into each customer’s facilities at a price that meets or exceeds budgeted goals. Commodities managed will have pricing set on a daily basis, set ad prices for future periods, as well as short term ad pricing. In addition to coordinating with field harvest supervisors on daily basis to get volume forecasts for upcoming weeks
• Work with harvesting supervisors to ensure product quality and communicate product information to both sales and cooler staff.
• In conjunction with the Director of Sales, focus on strategic development of all channels for distribution such as Grocery, Drug, Mass, Discount channels and Wholesalers.
• Assist in obtain new business and monitor sales support systems to ensure business retention, establish and enforce accountability.
• Sharing responsible for strategic planning with the Director of Sales, including prospecting and developing sales distribution strategies that grow volume selling Dole products as well as recommend new items and packaging to ensure retaining a competitive position in the market.
• Develop rapport with decision makers/Po# holders to ensure continued business.
• Execute training, promotional, distribution and positioning strategies in coordination with Dole sales force.
• Determine pricing strategies that insure profitability from all customers.
• Provides feedback to the Director of Sales on account activities, needs and opportunities.
• Provide coverage of accounts and/or commodities of for team members in their absence.
• Other duties include product allocation when demand exceeds supply, handling and processing of sales allowances and work closely with AR in the collection of monies.
• Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:
• 3-5 years sales and marketing experience; or 3-5 years in sales positions directly related to fresh food product sales.
• Proven competency or ability to work with both sales and ag operations departments.
• Strategic ability in account management, with a focus on growing profitable sales for the customer and Dole.
• Must be able to understand customer product demands and update forecasting systems appropriately.
• Ability to identify problems and have diverse problem-solving skills that rectify problems in a quick fashion.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to negotiate profitable sales agreements with key personnel that prove successful for all involved.
• General knowledge of the P&L with ability to create and manage a working sales/product budget.
• Current knowledge of industry trends and product development as well as knowledge of commodity markets and how they work
• Knowledge of E-commerce platforms is strongly desired.
• Knowledge and ability to use basic software systems such as Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook as part of the daily job function.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk or hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift (including overhead) and/or up to 15 lbs.
WORK HOUR & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be available to work irregular and/or changing shifts including holidays and weekends.
• Need to be available electronically at all times
• Ability to travel as needed
Required Experience
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field preferred.
PAY RATE:
- $100,000 - $115,000 Annually
EEO STATEMENT: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.