Purpose

Establish and maintain accounts in the Salinas Region as assigned.  Gain an understanding of market trends and growers’ needs while working closely with Product Development to identify leafy and brassica varieties suited for your region.  

V.      Primary Functions

Sales

·         Maintain, introduce, and establish our proprietary leafy and brassica varieties through trialing and written evaluations of trial performance for our vendors and internal review

·         Manage and improve relations with our grower accounts within your region

·         Expand our customer base within the Salinas Region

·         Assist in the planting and evaluation of leafy and brassica trials

·         Be active with all local complaints or claims from inception and follow through with the process in WIN

·         In close communication with the Warehouse Manager for delivery of orders. Seed order deliveries are a must as needed when Warehouse is unavailable.

Accounts Receivable

·      Follow up on collections of accounts as needed

Product Development and Research & Development

·      Provide input on Commercial & Pre-commercial trialing programs for leafy and brassica as needed through evaluations and grower interest

o   Trial reports – prepare and/or review as needed

o   Variety slotting – ensure PD knows slots for varieties for best results as well as slots that should be avoided

·      Review advanced genetics (R&D trials) and provide feedback

·      Keep Research up to date on market trends and needs

·      Help locate and place R&D trials

Sales Forecasting

·      Bi-annual forecast update (February & June each year) by Variety/month to prepare the S&OP process

·      Monthly updates

o   Revising gross sales for the coming three months (due 1st of each month).

o   Briefly explain (2-3 sentences) why the variance from the forecast by variety.

o   Responsible for selling varieties at end of the lifecycle

o   Participate and have an action plan for surplus inventory outside of the life cycle

Marketing

·      Understand and share knowledge of target markets and customers

·      Be aware of the ability to bundle related services and products as needed

o   Seed coating and pelleting needs and chemical treatments

o   Gain understanding and discuss areas of possible expansion 

o   Be aware of and share new ideas/industry concepts as they relate to our industry

o   Supply input for the long-term strategy of the company

o   Implementation of the product launching plan

o   Active participation in organization and execution of promotional activities like field days, product videos, input for newsletters, website, etc.

VI.     Other Duties

·         Forward all legal contracts to head office for Manager’s approval

·         Assist Produce Development with the organization of open days/platforms

·         Assure a safe work environment

·         Assist train new employees (LPP, Sales, Warehouse)

Expectations

Good attendance and punctuality 
Follow office procedures
Work well with peers and maintain a positive attitude
Professional conduct and appearance
Good organization skills and ability to prioritize work
Good verbal and written communication skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Complete work with minimum supervision and perform tasks with accuracy
Possess self-motivation and initiative
Personal Skills
Great communicator and team player
Strategic thinker
Service-oriented
Motivated to develop deep crop and portfolio knowledge to be a specialist and partner for the customer
Strong negotiation skills
Ability to work independently
 IX.        Qualifications

Associates Degree or higher in an agricultural-related field (or equivalent job experience)
Knowledge of Salinas Valley and grower trends for the area preferred
Knowledge and understanding of the lettuce industry as well as lettuce varieties and slotting preferred
Knowledge and understanding of the seed industry preferred
At least 3 years of experience in agriculture-related business preferred
Computer skills (working knowledge of MS Office Suite, Internet, Email)
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Spanish speaking is a plus