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Are you passionate about the horticulture industry and ready to make a real impact? We are seeking a talented business developer in horticulture to join our team and play a pivotal role in expanding our market presence. This exciting opportunity involves managing broker relationships, promoting our products in commercial trial gardens, and driving sales growth through strategic brand development and market expansion efforts. If you have a knack for developing markets and are eager to contribute to a growing company, we want to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
Product Familiarization and Development:
Understand Product Offerings: Visit farms to gain a thorough understanding of the company’s products, including hydrangeas and other greenhouse plants. This knowledge is crucial for effectively promoting products and understanding the unique selling points that distinguish them from competitors.
Brand and Product Promotion: Develop and implement strategies to promote the company’s products, particularly in commercial trial gardens. This includes making presentations to major retailers and growers to increase brand awareness and product adoption.
Broker and Client Relationship Management:
Broker Relations: Work closely with brokers to educate them about the company’s product lines and foster strong, trust-based relationships. This involves regular communication and collaboration to ensure that brokers are well-informed and motivated to promote the company’s products.
Client Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key clients, including mega growers and major retailers. The role requires consistent outreach and follow-up to ensure client satisfaction and retention.
Sales and Market Expansion:
Sales Strategy Development: Develop comprehensive sales strategies to drive market expansion, focusing on both dormant sales and finished products. This includes identifying new market opportunities and leveraging existing relationships to increase sales volume.
Market Penetration: Target commercial trial gardens and other strategic markets to expand the company’s presence. This requires a deep understanding of market dynamics and the ability to adapt strategies to meet the needs of different market segments.
Reporting and Leadership Transition:
Reporting Structure: Initially, report directly to the CMO, while gradually transitioning to the Director of Sales as part of a planned leadership transition. This transition will involve taking on additional responsibilities, such as managing key accounts and leading sales initiatives.
Leadership Role: As part of the leadership transition, the Business Developer will take on some of the CMO’s responsibilities, including strategic planning and key decision-making. This requires a proactive approach to leadership and the ability to guide the company through periods of change.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Team Coordination: Collaborate with marketing, production, and logistics teams to ensure that sales efforts align with company operations. This includes coordinating product delivery schedules, aligning marketing campaigns with sales objectives, and ensuring seamless operations.
Skills and Qualifications:
Industry Experience:
Horticulture Background: A minimum of 5 years of experience in the horticulture industry, particularly in business development or sales roles related to greenhouse operations or floral products.
Sales Acumen: Demonstrated success in selling horticultural products, with a strong track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets.
Technical and Analytical Skills:
Data Analysis: Ability to analyze sales data, market trends, and customer feedback to make informed decisions and adjust strategies as needed. Proficiency in using CRM systems and other sales tools to manage client relationships and track sales performance.
Strategic Planning: Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to develop and execute comprehensive business development strategies that align with company goals.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with brokers, clients, and internal teams. The ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization is essential.
Negotiation and Persuasion: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms with brokers and clients, and the ability to persuade stakeholders to support strategic initiatives.
Adaptability and Self-Management:
Autonomous Working: The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, managing tasks and priorities effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and business needs, particularly during peak seasons and periods of intense activity.
Leadership Potential:
Leadership Skills: Potential to take on leadership roles, particularly during the planned transition of the CMO. This requires a proactive approach, strategic thinking, and the ability to guide the company through change.
Additional Information:
Travel Requirements: The position involves significant travel to various farms, trial gardens, and client locations to promote products and build relationships.
Compensation: competitive salary based on experience, with a flexible compensation package aligned with the candidate’s skills and ability to drive sales. The company also offers a short-term incentive plan based on department and company performance.
Work Environment: The role requires a high level of adaptability to manage seasonal workload fluctuations and a dynamic, growth-focused company culture.