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Location: Chicago, IL | Schedule: Full-time

Overview

A seed company specializing in the research, production, marketing and sales of tomato and pepper seeds is seeking a commercially minded leader to run its Fresh Produce division across North America, based out of the Chicago, IL metro area. This role blends strategic market positioning with hands-on business development, working directly with retailers and primary suppliers to grow the company's footprint. The individual will shape and execute a go-to-market strategy for North America while building senior-level relationships with key accounts across the region.

What you'll do

• Design and execute a go-to-market strategy for engaging retailers and suppliers throughout North America
• Build and communicate the company's market capabilities to senior stakeholders at key accounts
• Structure a long-term product development plan and sales budget
• Drive demand generation across the assigned territory
• Lead field promotional activities, including demo greenhouse visits, variety campaigns, customer connections and marketing events
• Organize field days and field trips at the demo greenhouse
• Actively manage relationships with growers, distributors and retailers
• Oversee accurate, timely planning and placement of varieties
• Provide regular reporting on sales and other commercial activities
• Cultivate relationships with key industry influencers
• Evaluate, adjust and manage the sales and product pipeline
• Deliver against sales revenue targets for the region
• Execute a growth plan to expand market share across North America
• Advise on product mixes by market segment to achieve profitable volume and market share within acceptable risk levels
• Partner with research, technical, marketing and finance teams to assess product value, build value propositions, and develop pricing and value-capture models
• Coordinate with customer support to ensure reliable supply (mix, quantity and quality) aligned with strategic plans
• Develop executable product and brand plans
• Plan, coordinate and direct new product launches

Required qualifications

• More than 7 years of experience in the Agro vegetables sector in North America
• Combined background in Product Placement and Business Development
• Academic education in agriculture

Why this role

This is an opportunity to lead a strategic North American division, driving go-to-market strategy, key account relationships and growth in market share for a company's fresh produce business.