Purpose of Position:

The Director of Sales leads the company’s efforts to maintain and expand relationships with all Canadian customers (national, regional, multi-location). The Director of Sales is responsible for achieving total sales objectives and assigned strategic account objectives, with continual development of the market through new business development and innovation execution.

The Director of Sales represents the entire range of company products and services, while leading the customer account planning cycle and ensuring assigned customers’ needs and expectations are met by the company. The Director of Sales focuses on the headquarters and key buying locations of assigned accounts, while coordinating closely with field associates assigned to these customers’ other locations and sales broker management.

Accountabilities:

• Direct account responsibility for Global, National, and Large Regional accounts, as assigned.
• Responsible to develop, maintain productive business relationships and penetrate the account to maximize FDP profits, sales and share.
• Meets assigned targets for profitable sales volume and strategic objectives in assigned accounts
• Leads internal/external contract development and negotiations.
• Leads solution development efforts that best address customer needs, while coordinating the involvement of all necessary company personnel.
• Leads sales effort, promotion planning, forecasting, new item introduction, account specific marketing, etc. in order to profitably grow across all categories and customer Divisions (DCs).
• Participates in the sales planning and budgeting development – bottom up.
• Completes strategic customer account plans that meet company standards.
• Works directly with the customer Category Director(s).
• Proactively assesses, clarifies, and validates customer needs on an ongoing basis.
• Actively participate in trade shows and major sales events.
• Lead all sales calls, business reviews and develop key presentations to effectively drive initiatives for customer category.
• Manage customer payments/ deduction process.
• Helps recruit, train, and/or develop the DSMs.
• Assist in special projects as assigned.
• Creates and utilizes industry networks to understand market.

Minimum Skills Required:

• 4-year College Degree (Business or related field), from an accredited institution, and/or equivalent work experience.
• At least 10 years prior experience in sales and management in produce or other food industry.
• Prior experience working with Walmart in a similar role.
• Excellent product knowledge as related to fresh produce and food service experience with broad portfolio management experience.
• Proven ability to develop sales strategy and manage sales staff.
• Solid knowledge & understanding of Key Financial Indicators and P&L management.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint. etc.).
• Excellent communication skills (i.e. written and oral).
• Strong Influencing skills at all levels (internal & external).
• Strong prioritization and time management skills.
• Demonstrated Managerial Courage to take risk and make difficult decisions.

Preferred:

• Thinks and acts like a business owner (i.e. entrepreneur mindset)
• Understands how to manage customers. Understands the customers’ needs and the key capabilities we have to address them.
• Strong Business acumen – including retail experience/knowledge.
• Easily navigates thru business challenges.

***Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses. ***

DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE IS AN EEO/AA/V/H