OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS:
Director of North American Retail and Foodservice Accounts
Are you passionate about food and agriculture?
Are you aware that approximately 33% of the food we grow ends up in a landfill, with 30% of that being fruit and vegetables? What if you could help change that?
Do you have solid connections within the foodservice or grocery sectors in some way, shape, or form? Do you sell produce to that channel?
Are you ready for the unique challenge of sustainably connecting farmers, packers, and retailers using technology designed to extend the life of the food they produce, package, and sell?
AgroFresh is a fast-moving, dynamic company dedicated to improving produce freshness, advancing sustainability, and reducing food waste by delivering integrated solutions every step of the way from field to market. Collaborating closely with their customers, they continually research and develop unparalleled solutions that benefit the entire supply chain, and improve the quality of life for all.
Picture a world with less food loss, stronger and more sustainable produce businesses, and even more abundant and delicious produce options for consumers everywhere. That is the focus for our client and their mission: https://www.agrofresh.com/
To decrease food waste and safeguard our planet’s resources by offering a selection of science-based solutions, data-driven digital technologies, and high-touch customer services.
Why should this matter to you?
Farming is evolving and AgTech is playing an integral role. Technology helps producers manage crops better today than at any other point in human history. Every trend points to the continued development and implementation of technology aimed at extending the shelf life of food and reducing waste throughout the farm-to-fork supply chain. The advancement of pre-harvest, near-harvest, and post-harvest application technology has led to a paradigm shift in yield quality, food preservation, and waste reduction. These emerging technologies need ag professionals who understand the world of farming and are ready to embrace the future (NOW!) of sustainable agriculture.
As farming and technology intertwine, a major goal is to merge the science of high-yield harvest management with sustainable post-harvest storage solutions--AgroFresh has made this goal a reality. AgroFresh’s end-to-end, integrated technologies help growers, packers, and retailers utilize their considerable knowledge and experience across a growing range of produce industry markets and applications.
For growers, our client’s Smarter Freshness solutions help the fruit achieve optimal maturity for harvest. For packers and distributors, it means smarter ways to safeguard, boost capacity, and improve customer packout. And for retailers, AgroFresh’s integrated solutions will help deliver (and maintain) the freshest, most delectable produce on the shelves–for a consumer experience that keeps them coming back.
If you are passionate about ag and reducing food waste, this could be exactly the right opportunity to build something special with a company who continues to expand their market presence.
COMPANY INFORMATION:
Founded in 1996, AgroFresh is a publicly traded, global leader in food preservation and waste reduction headquartered in Philadelphia, PA (AGFS on the Nasdaq). AgroFresh is founded on the implementation of 1-MCP technology, keeping produce fresh during storage and transport by temporarily blocking the production and absorption of ethylene–the natural plant hormone generated internally that governs the speed at which quality and freshness are lost.
Recently, the inventors of 1-MCP technology were inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Click the two links below to learn more:
AgroFresh brings scientific expertise and first-class customer service to the farm gate and the packing house. Your contribution will drive the market expansion and fast adoption of AgroFresh’s vision to help shape the future of sustainable produce.
AgroFresh uses Smarter Freshness science to improve longevity in produce throughout the farm-to-fork cycle. Their products include:
Near-harvest: chemical treatments and fruit monitoring software
Post-harvest: quality control during transport and storage
Retail: quality inspection and monitoring
Check out the product set to get a sense of how it all works:
https://www.agrofresh.com/solutions/
LEADERSHIP TEAM:
Clinton Lewis - Chief Executive Officer - LinkedIn Page
Michael Hamby - Chief Commercial Officer - LinkedIn Page
Duncan Aust - Chief Technology Officer - LinkedIn Page
Sarah Enescu - Commercial Business Director, North America - LinkedIn Page
Here’s a Forbes article featuring an interview with Clinton Lewis about the importance of food preservation and AgroFresh’s place in the market: https://aghh.tiny.us/Forbes
THE ROLE:
AgroFresh is currently seeking to add a Director of North American Retail/Foodservice Accounts to cover an assigned region of the United States. This role is an addition to staff, a newly created position, designed to bring about retail expansion. This position is ideally suited to individuals who are motivated to bridge the gap between the retail sector and the growers of fresh produce under the banner of sustainability–something for which both industries should agree. Unfortunately, 30% of food waste occurs on the retail level and solutions should be discovered, created, and utilized. This is a unique opportunity to build something special.
The Retail-Foodservice Account Director will be responsible for identifying new opportunities within the grocery and retail sector and across the food chain channels. This role is key in establishing relationships with key stakeholders and expanding AgroFresh’s (AGFS) reach and influence in this channel. The successful candidate will work closely with the key stakeholders across the supply chain (growers/packers/marketing desks/distributors/retailers) to educate on the AGFS technologies that enhance fruit quality and reduce food waste globally; and create pull-through for produce benefitting from our client’s technologies. Internally, this role will work across functional lines with close ties to sales, marketing, R&D and Business Development to effectively position our products. The ideal candidate would have 5+ years sales experience in the retail-foodservice industry, have extensive knowledge and direct connections within the channel and a proven track record of success.
The role will report directly to the Commercial Business Director, North America (Sarah Enescu)and travel as needed to develop relationships and foster future sales.
Ultimately, AgroFresh is looking for an ag professional with deep networks in the produce industry who can become a brand evangelist and connect the farm-to-fork chain via a product mix focused on extending the shelf life of produce. Someone who can identify & develop retail business, walk and talk through the products, and help strategically expand the business throughout the supply chain. This role is understanding and promoting how and why this technology is an indispensable plug-in that will maximize yields and profits. Job responsibilities and qualifications include:
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Build relationships with key stakeholders across the food supply chain including key packers, importer/exporters, distributors and retailer partners
Partner with internal stakeholders to define value propositions and devise the best retail/foodservice strategy to heighten awareness of AGFS and create pull-through for produce treated with our technology
Clearly deliver our value proposition to the channel and effectively plan, metric and execute customer trials to support the value of the product line.
Establish/manage relationships with key industry associations and advocacy groups and represent AGFS at industry events (trade shows, roundtables, etc.)
Work with local sales and marketing teams and coordinate activities across the supply chain to enhance quality of produce at the retail level
Working closely with the Commercial Business Director, deliver regional financial commitments in accordance with the Annual Operating Plan/Budget.
In conjunction with Global Director of Retail Marketing, create initiatives to develop global positioning, pricing, branding, and core brand messages and produce global launch kits for various markets.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
These qualifications, experiences, and skills are highly desirable; however, they do not preclude exceptions based on an individual’s performance history and demonstrated potential.
BS /BA Degree.
Background in retail or foodservice industry
5+ years experience in produce industry, grocery retail, life sciences, food chain, or CPG
Network of connections within the retail/foodservice channels
Outstanding written and oral communication skills and ability to lead through influence
Strong individual leadership presence
Strong financial analysis skills and proven ability to create forecasts and scenarios.
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to oversee complex, cross-functional projects that require input from many internal and external stakeholders
Ability to interact with/influence AgroFresh Sr. Management with confidence and conviction
Demonstrated skills in strategic, analytical, complex problem-solving and storytelling with the ability to action on insights
Commitment to excellence - both in results achieved and how they are achieved
Comfortable with ambiguity
Ability to travel (30%-40%)
Covid-19 vaccination
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Market competitive compensation (base + bonus)
Full benefit package: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental insurance
Paid vacation, personal days, sick time, and holidays
401(k) with employer matching
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Cell phone provided or reimbursed
Laptop provided along with other home office needs
KEYWORDS
food sales, retail food sales, foodservice, consumer packaged goods, CPG, produce, produce industry, produce sales, field trials, customer trials, agtech, foodtech, farm, apples, pears, orchards, berries, pome fruit, stone fruit, citrus, avocados, vegetables, food shipping, food packaging, food storage, harvest, post harvest, shelf life, research, development, R&D, food waste, sustainability, ESG reporting, coatings, food loss, waste reduction, freshness, supply chain, food chain, grocery, food packers, food importers, food exporters, food distributors
CONTACT INFORMATION
AG HeadHunters
(615) 686-2099
EEOC STATEMENT:
We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. We are also committed to diversity and helping to create an inclusive environment for our clients. If you can do this job you will not be denied consideration.