TERRITORY: Northeast, Midwest, MidAtlantic Regions

POSITION IN THE ORGANIZATION: Reports to the Vitalis North America, Regional Business Manager

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: To develop the Vitalis brand in Northeast/Midwest/MidAtlantic Region USA

TARGET START DATE: est. Sept, 2015

Summary of responsibilities:

1. 1. Identify key certified organic growers and markets in the Northeast, Midwest and MidAtlantic regions and estimate organic market size.
2. 2. Contribute strategically to key organic grower account management, trial planning and market linkages in collaboration with Enza East Coast Team (ECT).
3. 3. Support new crop and variety development processes specifically for the organic market through product development and participation in regional Product Advancement Teams (PAT).
4. 4. Contribute to Vitalis promotion through regional tradeshows and conferences and by developing technical marketing material.
5. 5. Be a knowledgeable resource to the Enza Commercial and R&D Teams and distributors on organic production techniques, markets, breeding needs and regulatory requirements.
6. 6. Other duties as assigned.

Brief description of responsibilities and duties:

1. Identify key certified organic growers and markets in Northeast, Midwest, MidAtlantic region and estimate organic market size.

• Identify key organic vegetable and herb growers in region and assess market size per crop.
• Develop a system for determining key organic growers where Vitalis could have the greatest influence with our variety portfolio.
• Work with Vitalis Business Manager (VBM) and ECT to determine approach per customer.
• Keep up-to-date database of the organic growers within region including production area, crops grown, varieties used, trial varieties, certifier.
• Undertakes visits to and maintains contacts with existing and potential organic growers with the aim to promote and sell Vitalis varieties.

2. Contribute strategically to key organic grower account management, trial planning and market linkages.

• Execute sales strategy, initiate contact with existing and potential customers, identify their needs and facilitate sales of appropriate organic varieties to meet those needs.
• Work with key regional seed dealers to develop organic variety trial strategies and promotion of Vitalis varieties.
• Work with VBM to determine buying influences, budgets, and purchasing criteria for organic accounts.
• Provide prompt and accurate updates on status of organic varieties in the pipeline to ECT.
• Confirm organic forecasting input by customer within region with VBM.

3. Support new crop and variety development processes specifically for the organic market through product development and participation in Product Advancement Teams (PAT).

• Develop, document and communicate organic vegetable and herb trial plans and organize commercial variety trials in close consultation with all parties involved (ECT and associated Breeders).
• Evaluate organic vegetable and herb variety trials with regard to local markets and market conditions and record conclusions through accurate and timely variety data compilation.
• Reports periodically about the development of the product range within the work area and about the opportunities and threats.
• Follows market developments in the field and through professional publications, follow the development of competing varieties and if necessary provides feedback on this to relevant Commercial Team and R&D team members.
• Facilitate variety development by contributing to the Organic and Herb PAT decisions on varietal advancement for the Vitalis portfolio with specific regional crop emphasis (tomato, pepper, squash, leek, spinach, herbs, fennel, endive).

4. Contribute to Vitalis promotion through regional tradeshows and conferences and technical marketing material development.

• Attend strategic organic and agricultural tradeshows representing Vitalis in the region.
• Organize and/or participate in field days and related events, specifically all regional organic conferences, trade shows, and extension related activities.
• Contribute to the development of promotional literature by writing detailed, technical variety descriptions specifically for organic cultivation.
• Maintains relations with representatives of organic farms, grower associations, and the organic movement, specifically regional organic certifiers and seed database entities.
• Supports Vitalis Team to develop annual Vitalis Catalogue, Web Updates and Organic Seed Database updates through writing, photography and content input.

5. Be a knowledgeable resource to the Enza Commercial and R&D Teams and Distributors on organic production techniques, markets, breeding needs and regulatory requirements.

• Work with VBM to develop organic training curriculum for ECT, R&D and Distributors about the organic market, cultivation techniques and specific trait needs for organics.
• Support breeders by developing clear Organic Crop Product Models by defining traits needs per crop specifically required for organic agriculture.
• Work with Florida Station and Farm Managers to develop organic section of Research Station for varietal screening and breeding development.

6. Reporting and Other Duties.

• Written reporting on a monthly basis to the VBM regarding relevant developments on organic market, product portfolio, pricing, sales, distribution, marketing, competition and trends in the organic market.
• Handle any complaints, according to set procedure.
• Discuss and resolve relevant issues with the Customer Service department as it relates to customer satisfaction.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB PROFILE:

Education / Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture/horticulture with a specialization in soil/plant science, pathology, entomology, breeding, with an organic focus.
• A minimum of five years seed or organic agriculture industry experience.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Agronomic Skills

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the principles of organic agriculture.
• Understanding of organic open field, protected culture and hydroponic production techniques for vegetables and herbs.
• Knowledge or organic market and certification processes.
• Knowledge of seed and plant pathology and diagnostic skills.
• Value and understand the basic principles of breeding for organic agriculture.

Other Professional Skills

• Professional, assertive and clear communication skills (verbal and written; active listener).
• Analytical by nature with the ability to compile and analyze data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Capacity to work with database tools to collect and upload data and share with colleagues.

Personal Traits

• Self-motivator and goal oriented.
• Shows personal initiative, is flexible and pragmatic, and able to portray and promote a positive image of the company’s vision, mission and values.
• Must maintain high level of confidentiality.

Independence

• Performs the position and associated activities independently under the responsibility of the Vitalis North America Business Manager.
• Highly self-directed and motivated.

Contacts

• Develops and maintains internal contacts with relevant colleagues in the local and international Sales and R&D Teams;. key organic customers and seed distributors, and the Northeast, Midwest and MidAtlantic regional organic movement.

Working Conditions

• Regional travel throughout the Northeast, Midwest and MidAtlantic region in the USA and limited travel to the Netherlands.
• Works under varying climate conditions and is exposed to outside working conditions.
• Car travel requiring valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Some desk work using a computer screen and iPad.

Applicants may submit resume and cover letter to: resumes@enzausa.com