Objective:

Reporting to the General Manager of Vilmorin North America (VNA), the Sales Manager is responsible for developing sales, market share and margin of the Vilmorin-Mikado products marketed through the US and Canada dealers and VNA’s direct sales force.

Essential Skills:

Team oriented; adaptable and self-motivated; analytical thinking; ability to adjust to different personalities; ability to travel extensively; goal oriented; organization skills; initiative; ability to motivate others.

Broad business skills are essential as well as strong and effective communication skills, networking skills, and close attention to detail. He/She should also have (or be willing to develop) a high degree of familiarity with the territories, markets, and the dealer and direct customer base.

Essential Operational Tasks:

• Consolidate and propose sales and production forecasts to the General Manager.
• Manage expense and sales budget for the activity in the course of the year according to agreed budgets in order to achieve target margins.
• Supervise regularly the viability of the production budgets and forecasts according to market needs.
• Propose and implement a pricing strategy for the region.
• Propose and implement distribution strategies.
• Collaborate with the Development Manager to organize and implement new product development strategies as well as promotional events in the area.
• Ensure the regular follow-up of key accounts.

Essential Competencies and Traits:

• Attention to Detail.  Analytical and numerical abilities. Able to go deep into details as needed while keeping a good understanding of the whole picture.
• People Oriented: Capable to engage and motivate people of different cultural and functional backgrounds. Should be able to go “one-on-one” with anybody in the company, dealer networks or grower base.
• Hands - On: Hands on manager willing to immerse in the day-to-day duties of the job. Always results oriented but also focused on improving the process.
• Verbal Communication Skills: Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Communication is necessary to different levels inside our own organization but also with dealers, growers and trade/public agencies.
• Manager of the Sales/Production Objective: Must have a good understanding of the flows and components of a good forecast. Should “own” and deliver the forecast.
• Champion of New Products: Must have proven experience in successfully bringing new products to market. She/he must have a “can do!” attitude when it relates to the introduction of new products. She/he should be able to transform and collaborate within the organization to accelerate successful launchings.

Experience and Educational Requirements

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor Degree ~ Agronomical engineering, Agronomy, Plant Science, Business or related field;
• Years of Experience:  10 plus progressively in sales team management within the US/Canada Vegetable Seed industry.
• Extensive knowledge of the Seed Industry; specifically Vegetable Seeds within the US/Canada markets (strong familiarity with the leafy seed markets of western USA would be preferred).
• Proficiency in the English language required.
• Proficient computer skills and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability and willingness to adopt and champion new methodologies and sales management tools as needed.

We offer an excellent benefits package and salary commensurate with experience.

To apply: Send resumes to Careers@vilmorin.com

EOE