Director Fresh Produce (JC876)

Director

• Fresh Produce (JC876) 5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars Chicago, IL Remote $140,000
• $150,000 a year ilocatum 6 reviews $140,000
• $150,000 a year Director
• Fresh Produce

•

North America Location:

Open (Remote/Flexible) Shape the future of North American fresh produce by leading market strategy and retail partnerships for an innovative European seed company expanding its tomato and pepper varieties across the continent.

Must-Haves Experience:

7+ years of experience in the agro vegetables sector in North America Proven track record in product placement and business development , ideally within fresh produce or seed industry Demonstrated success managing relationships with growers, distributors, and retailers at the senior level Experience developing and executing go-to-market strategies in agricultural markets

Education:

Academic degree in agriculture or related field

Skills & Capabilities:

Strong understanding of North American fresh produce supply chains and retail dynamics Ability to build and maintain relationships with key industry influencers and decision-makers Experience structuring long-term product development plans and sales budgets Proven ability to achieve sales revenue targets and drive market share growth What You'll Achieve Strategic Market Leadership Design and execute a comprehensive go-to-market strategy to position tomato and pepper seed varieties with major North American retailers and suppliers Lead the expansion into the North American market, driving growth and increasing market share through strategic positioning Advise leadership on product mixes across market segments to achieve profitable volume and acceptable risk levels Develop executable product and brand plans that differentiate the company in a competitive marketplace Business Development & Relationship Building Build and nurture high-level relationships with senior decision-makers at key retail accounts and primary suppliers Actively manage partnerships with growers, distributors, and retailers to create mutually beneficial outcomes Develop and maintain relationships with key industry influencers who shape market trends and purchasing decisions Communicate the company's market capabilities and innovation strengths to establish credibility and trust Revenue Growth & Market Expansion Structure long-term product development plans and sales budgets aligned with aggressive growth targets Drive demand generation with focused efforts in assigned territories and accounts Achieve sales revenue targets for the region through strategic account management and new business development Evaluate, adjust, and manage the sales and product pipeline to maximize conversion and profitability Product Strategy & Market Intelligence Focus on accurate and timely planning and placement of varieties based on market needs and customer preferences Collaborate with research, technical, marketing, and finance teams to evaluate product benefits, create value propositions, and develop pricing models Plan, coordinate, and set direction for new product launches that capture market opportunities Work with customer support teams to ensure reliable supply (mix, quantity, and quality) aligned with strategic business plans Field Engagement & Promotional Activities Lead field promotional activities including demo greenhouse tours, variety campaigns, and customer engagement events Organize and execute field days and field trips that showcase product performance and innovation Create memorable customer experiences that build brand loyalty and drive variety adoption Regularly report on sales and commercial activities to provide visibility into market dynamics and progress Why This Role Matters Market-Shaping Opportunity This is a ground-floor leadership role with a European seed innovator expanding its North American footprint. You will build the commercial foundation and set the strategic direction for fresh produce growth across the continent. Direct Impact on Food Systems Your work influences what varieties reach consumers, helping shape the fresh produce landscape in North America. Partner with growers and retailers to introduce high-quality tomato and pepper varieties that meet evolving market demands. Cross-Functional Leadership Serve as the bridge between R D innovation and commercial execution, working closely with research, technical, marketing, and finance teams to translate product benefits into market success. Autonomy & Strategic Influence Lead with independence and creativity as you design go-to-market approaches, build key relationships, and advise on product strategy. Your insights and execution will directly influence company growth and market positioning. Industry Leadership Position Represent a company committed to innovation and quality, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor and thought leader within the North American fresh produce and seed industry. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced agribusiness professional ready to lead market expansion, drive revenue growth, and make a lasting impact on the fresh produce sector.