US Commercial Manager

Overview

Fall Creek is creating a world with better blueberries through its friendly, collaborative team spread across the globe. To help us accomplish this, we are seeking a qualified US Commercial Manager.

Office, field, and nursery setting. Requires frequent travel (30% - 50%) across the US regions and Canada. Occasional international travel is also required.

• Collaborates with the General manager US & Canada and The Chief Commercial Officer to develop the regional commercial strategy that is in line with the global strategy. Responsible for managing all sales in the assigned region.
• Oversees commercial business relationships to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction.
• Executes activities with results measured against the commercial plan and holds the customer service and sales and grower support team accountable for achieving goals.
• Works closely with the General Manager US & Canada to create the department budget and operates within the approved amounts.
• Oversees execution and administration of company IP licensing strategies in the territory in coordination with the Intellectual Property department.
• Oversees implementation, adoption, and optimized use of company CRM in the region. Empowers team to understand and use the tool to increase individual and department performance and efficiency.
• Responsible for managing the sales, demand, and crop forecast processes and collaborates with Operations Manager, Planning manager, and production department to accurately forecast inventory deployment.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with customers, industry influencers and key industry representatives. Gathers information on competitors, customers, and trends and makes recommendations to take advantage of market opportunities.
• Directly supervises and coach Sales and Customer Service employee(s) on a frequent basis. This includes the annual performance management cycle‑goal setting, training and development, addressing both positive and negative performance issues. Coaches, motivates and develops employees to improve job performance when appropriate. Ensures that performance discussions are completed in a timely manner. Establishes and maintains good morale, motivation, and recognition of accomplishments.
• Provides leadership to the day‑to‑day operations of the commercial department, while maintaining focus on the company’s strategic goals and company culture. Establishes and implements short and long‑term commercial goals for the region.
• Monitors intellectual property concerns. Works closely with other departments to develop recommendations on managing infringements that may occur.
• Provides direction for handling cases of product failure, customer complaints and problems by analyzing each situation and coordinating their resolution with the help of the production department. Assists the customer service team with customer relations as needed.
• Collaborates with the marketing team on planning and execution of advertising, communication and marketing plans aligned and customized to the regional needs and priorities.
• Assures that proper communication, information sharing, and collaboration are achieved within the commercial team and between other departments.
• Provides input and recommendations for new products and varieties and contributes to their commercialization and acceptance in the marketplace.

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, horticulture or related field.
• Requires 10+ years of commercial management experience preferably in the fresh produce or Ag Input industries. Sales experience in the Blueberry industry is a plus.
• Minimum of 10+ years in a supervisory or management position in a commercial environment with proven ability to manage sales performance accountability, develop activation/growth acceleration strategies and plans, and develop and mentor staff.
• Language skills in English. Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus, but not required.
• Demonstrable experience with sales planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Requires a proven track record of developing strategy and executing a commercial plan with an…