Position Summary: 

The Director of Sales and Marketing is responsible for retaining and growing existing business, while pursuing additional profitable growth opportunities for Vertical Harvest Maine.  He or she will plan and implement sales and product development programs, both short and long range, targeted toward existing and new channels and implement strategic sales and marketing plans, goals and objectives which result in brand growth for Vertical Harvest. The Director of Sales and Marketing will lead and direct the company’s involvement in trade shows, exhibits and trade media management, as well as manage the company’s sales staff. 

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for promoting the Vertical Harvest Maine brand locally & regionally
2. Responsible for implementation of Vertical Harvest Maine strategic sales plan, goals and objectives
3. Design, create and implement a business development program which results in brand growth for Vertical Harvest
4. Compile and prepare ongoing market trend analysis, pricing and logistics
5. Responsible for trade show, exhibits and trade media management
6. Manage sales staff 
7. Continually oversee new and existing customers, develop positive relationships, monitor customer satisfaction
8. Develop new leads, target retail, institutional and food service clients, as well as other opportunities to expand our sales/profits
9. Create and develop the company’s sales presentations
10. Build good rapport with grower/shippers to ensure packing standards are met
11. New item research and development
12. Work closely with procurement division to oversee sale sheets and ongoing marketing presentations
13. Responsible for drafting budget for sales that allows for proper development of new business

Existing Customers

1. In conjunction with the General Manager, Director of Farm Operations, and Director of Operations & Finance, agree on sales volume and profit targets; review quarterly
2. Develop innovative sales, marketing and promotional activity to increase product awareness and drive sales with each customer
3. Meet with customers’ buying contacts on a quarterly basis to ensure sales target are met
4. Have an in-depth understanding of the product dynamics and where threats and opportunities may lie; proactively address issues to ensure sales target are met
5. Be innovative in all aspects that challenge the status quo; propose new packaging and marketing as required to drive sales
6. Build relationships with the customers’ replenishment teams to solidify our reputation as a dependable, quality supplier with excellent category and customer specific knowledge

New Customers

1. In conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer, VP of Strategy and the Senior Director of Operations/Finance, agree on a plan to target new customers and review quarterly.  Review & revise the plan according to market conditions, as necessary, in advance of approaching all potential customers.
2. Ensure the company is acknowledged as a leading supplier in the produce industry
3. Use an innovative approach to new products by understanding the needs of potential new customers and which product types and formats would appeal to their customer base

New Products 

1. In conjunction with the General Manager, Director of Farm Operations, and Director of Operations & Finance, agree on a new product sales strategy to be reviewed quarterly.
2. Develop relationships outside of the customers’ category teams to ensure the customer understands the range of products the company can offer
3. Understand the challenges in the marketplace for products which may be supplied by the company and use this knowledge to propose new supply opportunities through the organization

Supplier Relationships

1. Understand and develop positive relationships with all suppliers to ensure seamless backup responsibilities for the procurement team, Sourcing Specialist, and Director of Operations, when required
2. Work with the suppliers’ sales teams to understand and identify opportunities to supply local or regional customers in conjunction with our existing suppliers

Other Tasks

1. Understand and have an in-depth knowledge of the full cycle process of order processing through to receiving payment from customers to ensure an efficient process is in place. Work closely with the entire team to implement efficiencies.
2. Manage the entire sales staff; setting targets to achieve the business goals

Requirements:

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS: 

1. Bachelor's degree in a field such as Business, Marketing, or a related field
2. 7+ years of experience in sales and marketing role(s), including management roles
3. Experience should include a proven track record of success in driving revenue growth, leading teams, and developing effective sales and marketing strategies.
4. Proficiency in CRM software and marketing automation tools
5. Data analysis and interpretation capabilities
6. Understanding of digital marketing platforms and techniques, including social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO)
7. Strong leadership and team management abilities
8. Excellent communication and presentation skills
9. Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
10. Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS: 

1. Customer-Centered Mindset
2. Management/leadership experience
3. Decisive and action-orientation
4. Strategic systems thinker
5. Results driven, energetic, confident personality
6. Excellent communication & collaboration  skills
7. Able to work independently and as part of a team
8. Excellent record keeping / documentation / organizational skills
9. Able to manage, prioritize, and complete multiple projects simultaneously
10. Extremely observant, detail-oriented, and data obsessed
11. Comfortable in fast paced environment, flexible when demands change
12. Aware and inclusive of others
13. Embodies Vertical Harvest values of dynamic growth, inclusivity, ingenuity, transparency, empowerment, compassion
14. Reasonable accommodations may be made to empower individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions