Food Chain Manager ( East Coast Region) in at Sakata Seed America, INC.

JOB SUMMARY: To work collaboratively to manage our branded business products within a specific area

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Liaising and coordinating between licensees/ growers and retailers and marketing agency to ensure a correct promotional plan and development of Branded business in target markets after validation of Brand Manager.
• Identifying and establishing local partners such as licensees and growers who can work collaboratively with us to deliver growth of the Branded business for a specific area.
• Reporting on key local market conditions and retailer information.
• Leading and participating in wider food chain projects when necessary.

• Working with Brand Manager and local marketing agency to progress into new markets for branded business when required
• Updating key licensee activity regularly to coordinate and support to ensure Branded business products growth in US, Canada, Mexico.
• Managing launch of new items in retailer
• Reporting sales, market and retailer trends
• Assist with business development and innovation strategies

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Core knowledge: Detailed knowledge of retail and scape and main players and supply routes.
• Job Knowledge: Good level of agronomic knowledge.
• Core know-how: How to communicate clearly and accurately as well as being able to sell new ideas to potential partners with conviction. Good command of local language and English language.
• Core soft-skills: People skills, communication – written and verbal, negotiation, ability to make subjective decisions, ability to interact with people from all cultures.

• Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.
• Must possess strong character traits required including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, and honesty.
• Must be knowledgeable of the fast-moving developments in the sales field and seed industry.
• Must have basic computer knowledge, including but not limited to Microsoft Office.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Understanding of fresh market vegetable production, wholesale vegetable exchanges and cool chain.
• Retail/produce experience a plus

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

• An undergraduate college degree in marketing, business administration, crop science or agriculture or its equivalent in training and experience required.
• Bilingual in Spanish desirable

LICENSES/DEGREES/TRAINING:

• Must have valid driver's license and excellent driving record.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Located in mid Atlantic or East Coast
• Home based: necessary to travel up to 40%
• Required to attend meetings across the region and Europe.
• Must be able to work long and/or irregular hours.
• Must be able to travel for long periods of time throughout the year.
• Must be able to work under different weather conditions such as extremes in temperature and must be able to work in dusty conditions.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds when necessary to complete job functions.