Produce Merchandiser/Business Development Manager
A California-based produce wholesaler seeks an experienced, passionate sales representative to represent us in the Northwest part of the US. The ideal candidate is a personable, energetic self-starter and genuinely cares about the produce industry and increasing consumption of fresh produce in the retail market.
Objectives
Meet and exceed pre-determined customer sales goals and objectives.
Meet and exceed pre-determined sales objectives.
Influence and build relationship with Corporate buyers, Merchandisers, and Produce Managers one to one.
Program oriented selling.
Ability to solve problems and create “Triple Win” solutions, Promoter, Team player, Communicates well in a team atmosphere.
Ability to problem solve and adapt to market cultures.
Takes ownership in company initiatives and sees them through to completion.
Can creatively sell “new” products, concepts, and solutions.
Ability to teach, coach, and serve customers and teammates.
Assist in the execution at store level with our team. This includes resets, new store openings, daily store visits.
Work with Merchandising staff to drive additional sales and volumes of Melissa’s items.
Provide timely feedback when out in the field.
Seek and understand our customers initiatives and look for additional ways for Melissa’s to align with them.
Position Responsibilities
To increase customer sales, margins and profits through effective merchandising and handling of our products.
Meet with corporate staff on a weekly basis to review products and programs. Provide solution-based strategies to increase sales and profitability.
Meet with key retail locations on a daily/weekly basis. Conduct daily store visits on a pre-determined group of stores.
Build merchandising displays within and outside produce department.
Good analytical skills, able to analyze each account by customer and category, weekly to identify additional points of entry for our product’s and categories; while enhancing overall sales and profitability.
Analyze customer assortment, mix, ethnic diversity, and overall merchandising strategy.
Convey written plan back to our internal business teams defining opportunities for growth.
Effective communicator, share’s success stories and new ideas, as well as offer solutions to other team members throughout the entire organization.
Work with in house Customer Focused teams and Corporate Business Managers, to solve problems, share new ideas, and effectively deliver increased value to the customer.
Review account sales with sales team, weekly, by category to determine if we are on target using our executive review process and take action to keep account on target.
Submit MMR to Marketing when sign work/POS in needed at store level.
Team player, flexible, and willing to play different sales roles depending upon customer needs and individual strengths, including hands on demonstrations, new store sets, to writing orders with your customers.
At all times maintains a professional image that supports our customer and company values.
Other duties as assigned.
Essential Skills and Requirements
Working knowledge of computers & software as utilized in the sales environment;
MS Outlook, MS Excel, MS Windows, Word and Produce Pro operating systems.
Working knowledge of iPhone and iPad email systems.
Ability to consistently meet deadlines and work under pressure
Excellent written and verbal communicating skills.
Attention to detail and strong organization skills
Forecast customer needs;
Work within a team environment;
Complete tasks independently;
Learn new skills and tasks as needed; (continuous improvement through reading, consumer engagement and team collaboration)
Ability to compile information into finished reports;
Produce product knowledge is a plus.
Physical Skills & Requirements
Majority of time spent working in a store environment often standing, merchandising displays. lifting, walking, kneeling, climbing stairs, operating computers and other physical activities related to the in-store environment for long periods of time.
Daily driving 3 to 4 hours per day
Ability to lift 40 pounds without undue physical exertion;
Qualifications
5-7+ years in produce
2+ years business management experience
2+ Merchandising experience
Able to read and execute plan-o-grams
Business-minded and goal-driven
Creative problem solver and quick thinker
Respectful communicator and people person
Seeking more than just a job, but a real career
Ability to work independently and remotely, as well as with a team
Please submit your resume and cover letter to HR@melissas.com, including the position you are applying for as the subject line for consideration.
