Director – Fresh Produce – North America

Director – Fresh Produce – North America

Salary: $140,000 - $150,000 per year

Location: Chicago, IL

Relocation Assistance: Not Available

European Seed Company, whose main business is R&D, production, marketing and sales of tomato / pepper seeds, is recruiting an individual to lead their Fresh Produce division in North America.

This position is a combination of business development and strategic positioning of the company’s products, with retailers and primary suppliers.

The individual will develop and design a Go TO Market strategy to approach different retailers and suppliers in North America. Expected to interact and communicate the company’s market capabilities and build relationships with senior individuals at those Key Accounts.

• Structuring a long-term product development plan and sales budget.
• Drive demand generation with a focus on the assigned area
• Field promotional activities such as exploring the demo greenhouse, variety campaigns, customer connections and marketing activities
• Field days and Field trips in the demo greenhouse
• Actively manage relationships with growers, Distributors and Retailers
• Focus on accurate and timely planning and placement of varieties
• Regularly report sales and other commercial activities
• Develop and maintain relationships with key influencers in the industry
• Evaluating, adjusting, and managing our sales and product pipeline.
• Achieve sales revenue targets for the sales region
• Execute a plan for the growth in North America to increase market share and lead growth
• Advise the company on product mixes in market segments to achieve profitable volume and market shares at levels of acceptable risks.
• Collaborate with research, technical, marketing, and finance teams to evaluate and measure product benefits and value, create value propositions and develop value capture and pricing models.
• Work with the customer support team to ensure reliable supply (mix, quantity, and quality) consistent with strategic business plans.
• Develop executable product/brand plans
• Plan, coordinate and set directions for new product launches

• 7 years of experience in the Agro vegetables sector in North America.
• Have some combination of experience in the area of Product Placement and Business Development.
• Academic education in agriculture.