Working for Enza Zaden means working for a leading breeding company of innovative vegetable varieties. Our headquarters is located in the heart of the seed industry: Enkhuizen, the Netherlands. Worldwide, Enza Zaden employs over 1,300 staff members, divided over 25+ locations. Our activities include the development of varieties for local markets as well as the sales and distribution of high-quality vegetable seeds. With the expertise and dedication of our employees, we continue strengthening our market position. Working for Enza Zaden means working in an international environment.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Ensuring technical development, optimal sales and distribution of the Enza/Vitalis greenhouse crops portfolio for the East Coast of the USA and Canada.

Summary of responsibilities:

1. Generate multi-year sales and cost budgets
2. Optimize regional sales, sales programs and product development for conventional and organic markets
3. Manage (key) customer accounts often in cooperation with distributor’s sales reps.
4. Maintain contacts with grower organizations and research organizations.
5. Be involved in the market chain: maintain relationships with marketing organizations and retailers.
6. Develop proposals for local pricing policy.
7. Keep up to date with current market developments.
8. Support the execution of extended first screening, second screening and (pre) commercial trials of the crop/crop group for the indicated region.
9. Reporting and miscellaneous activities

Brief description of responsibilities and duties:

1. Generate multi-year sales and costs budgets
   Generate and realize a regional multi-year sales and cost budget together with the Sales Manager.
    
2. Optimize regional sales, sales programs and product development for conventional and organic markets
   Responsible for optimal product range availability as well as regional product development in close cooperation with the research department and Portfolio Management.
   Be part of or lead inter-departmental teams that operate within the Enza organization.
   Collect, analyze and report competitor information.
   Develop the organic market and create action plans accordingly.
    
3. Manage customers accounts
   Responsible for optimal operation of the regional distribution network by means of:
   - Management of a number of key customers in cooperation with the sales network and/or Sales Manager.
   - Develop key account and marketing plans.
   - Organize product meetings and trials with customers.
   - Trade show participation.
   - Visiting and receiving existing and potential customers.
   - Advising existing and potential customers about product development and growing techniques.
   - Advertisements, brochures, leaflets and miscellaneous promotional materials.
    
4. Maintain contacts with grower organizations and research organizations
   - Keep the industry involved in the development of the products and mission of Enza Zaden
   - Stay informed about the latest issues the industry is dealing with and identify opportunities
    
5. 5 Be involved in the market chain: maintain relationships with marketing organizations and retailers
   - Maintain contacts with the marketing organizations in the area and if needed cross regional
   - Be informed about the latest market developments and consumer needs and identify opportunities for our products and customers based on this
    
6. Develop proposals for local pricing policy
   Provide proposals for local pricing policy to the Sales Manager and communicate pricing to customers.
    
7. 7 Keep up to date with local and international conventional and organic market developments in the greenhouse sector.
   - Analyse and map out the entire regional vegetable seed market. Remain alert to, take action in response to and report on new market trends, competitor activities and products, plant diseases, as well as new growing techniques. Partner with the respective global Plant Breeders and Crop Specialists, keeping them well informed of relevant market developments and customer needs.
    
8. Support the execution of extended first screening, second screening and (pre) Commercial trials of the crop/crop group for the indicated region
   - Manage second-screening trial procedures for the particular crop/crop group in partnership with the research department
   - Propose (reliable) trial sites to the Sales Manager for conducting the trials
   - Establish and evaluate second-screening and (pre) Commercial trials.
    
9. Reporting and miscellaneous activities.
   - Timely and accurate monthly review/update of sales and production forecasts.
   - Written reporting on a monthly basis to Management regarding relevant developments on product portfolio & pricing, sales & distribution, marketing & PR and competition & trends.
   - Written and verbal updates on trial evaluations and results into the wider Enza organization
   - Handle any complaints, according to set procedure.
   - Discuss and resolve relevant issues with the Customer Service department as it relates to customer satisfaction.
   - Initiate and participate in Product Advancement Meetings where agreements are made regarding product flow, portfolio and marketing.

Job profile:

Education / knowledge
A minimum of an Agricultural or Science based bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant work experience in sales and marketing within the agricultural industry.

Skills
Excellent and clear English communication skills (verbal and written). Can function independently, is flexible and creative, and has excellent sales skills (gains trust, establishes a business objective, identifies customer needs, explores solutions, develops action plans, and overcomes objections through negotiation). Must be able to portray and promote a positive image of the company’s corporate vision, mission and values.

Independence
Performs the job / duties independently, under the responsibility of the Sales Manager.

Contacts
Maintains intensive internal and external contacts.

Working conditions
Sometimes works under pressure and frequently works with a computer screen. Is prepared to travel frequently, both domestic and international travel (estimated 25% of the working time).

Applications

Please apply to vicki.avina@enzausa.com