Vilmorin North America, a business unit of Vilmorin SA, is currently seeking a Vegetable Specialist – Outside Sales to join our team in Salinas, CA.

As the Vegetable Specialist – Outside Sales you are responsible for establishing and maintaining assigned accounts in the Salinas Valley. You will gain an understanding of market trends and the grower’s needs while working closely with Product Development and Research staff to identify lettuce and brassica varieties suited for your region.  

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES 

Sales

• Maintain, introduce and establish our proprietary lettuce and brassica varieties through trialing and written evaluations of trial performance
• Sell exclusive and tertiary products from our vendors
• Take over and improve relations with our house accounts within your region
• Expand our customer base within the Salinas Valley
• Work closely with Yuma sales staff to help transition grower needs from Salinas to Yuma (Aug – Sept and March – April)
• Coordinate, plant and evaluate lettuce and brassica trials
• Delivery of orders as needed when Warehouse unavailable

Sales Forecasting

• Annual forecast by variety/month
• Monthly updates
  • Revising gross sales for the coming three months (due 1st of each month)
  • Briefly explain (2-3 sentences) why the variance from forecast

Accounts Receivable

• Follow up on collections of accounts as needed

Product and Research Development

• Provide input on Commercial & Pre-commercial trialing program for lettuce and brassica as needed through evaluations and grower interest
  • Trial reports – prepare and/or review as needed
  • Variety slotting – ensure PD knows slots for varieties for best results as well as slots that should be avoided
• Review advanced genetics (R&D trials) and provide feedback
• Keep Research up-to-date on market trends and needs
• Help locate and place R&D trials

Marketing

• Understand and share knowledge of target markets and customers
• Be aware of ability to bundle related services and products as needed
  • Seed coating and pelleting needs and chemical treatments
  • Gain understanding and discuss areas of possible expansion
  • Be aware of and share new ideas / industry concepts as they relate to our industry

REQUIREMENTS 

• Associates Degree or higher in an agricultural related field (or equivalent job experience)
• At least 3 years’ experience in agriculture related business preferred
• Knowledge of Salinas Valley and grower trends for the area preferred
• Knowledge and understanding of the lettuce industry as well lettuce varieties and slotting preferred
• Knowledge and understanding of seed industry preferred
• Computer skills (working knowledge of MS Office Suite, Internet, Email)
• Good organization skills and ability to prioritize work
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Complete work with minimum supervision and perform tasks with accuracy
• Possess self-motivation and initiative
• Spanish speaking a plus

APPLICATIONS

Please submit your resume rose.perez@vilmorin.com.

Vilmorin North America is an equal opportunity employer.