Sales Account Manager

Applewood Fresh is hiring an in-person Sales Account Manager in Sparta, Michigan to grow and manage fresh apple sales across key produce channels. Reporting to the National Sales Director of First Fruits, this role focuses on customer relationships, market-driven pricing, inventory alignment, and order execution in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Job: Full Time Employment
• Location: Sparta, Michigan (In-Person)
• Opportunity for relocation support for the right candidate
• Reports To: National Sales Director
• Schedule: While aligned with standard business hours, this position requiresflexibilitytorespond and support time-sensitive needs typical of fresh produce sales.

The Sales Account Manager plays a critical role in driving revenue, managing customer relationships, and aligning sales activity with inventory availability and market conditions. This role is based on-site in Sparta, Michigan and works closely withboth Washington’s and Michigan’s internal operations, logistics, and sales leadership.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, highly communicative, and collaborative environment, brings strong fresh produce sales instincts, and understands how to balance customer needs with market pricing and supply realities.

• Build and develop strong relationships with new customers across retail, food service, wholesale, and broker channels.
• Maintain and grow relationships with existing customers, serving as the primary point of contact.
• Sell available fruit while aligning FOB pricing with relevant market pricing, consistently meeting or exceeding market benchmarks.
• Identify customer opportunities and proactively manage account strategies to drive long‑term growth.

• Manage fruit inventory in coordination with internal teams to maximize value and customer fulfillment.
• Accurately enter and manage sales orders through customer portals and internal systems.
• Coordinate delivery days and times with customers, logistics, and operations teams.
• Communicate availability, pricing, and shipment updates clearly and consistently.

• Monitor market conditions, pricing trends, and customer demand.
• Provide regular updates, forecasts, and insights to the National Sales Director.
• Participate in customer visits, industry meetings, and trade shows as needed, including some travel outside Michigan.

• Experience in sales, account management, or customer-facing roles; fresh produce or perishable commodities experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of market-based pricing and customer negotiations.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with operations, logistics, and leadership teams.
• Comfortable working in a structured, in‑person environment with early‑morning hours.
• Proficiency with CRM tools, customer portals, and Microsoft Office.

• Competitive compensation and benefits with growth opportunities.
• Be part of a respected grower‑driven organization within the First Fruits family.
• Work in a collaborative sales environment with direct exposure to leadership.
• Make a real impact in hands‑on role at the intersection of sales, inventory, and customer relationships.

Applewood Fresh is a grower, packer, shipper, and marketer of premium Michigan‑grown apples. With a focus on quality, consistency, and strong customer partnerships, Applewood Fresh delivers fresh apples to customers across the U.S.

First Fruits is the parent company of Applewood Fresh and First Fruits Farms. First Fruits is a multi‑regional supply entity growing, packing, and shipping apples, pears, and cherries. First Fruits is a recognized leader in the apple industry for over 40 years, connecting growers and customers through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to doing what’s right for people and the land.