Director – Fresh Produce – North America

Software Placement Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Placement Group is seeking a Director of Fresh Produce to lead its North America division, driving strategic growth across the region. You will collaborate with retailers and suppliers to expand market presence and profits while shaping product and market strategy.

The role emphasizes high-level relationship management, field activity leadership, and cross-functional partnership to execute ambitious growth plans nationwide.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in Agro vegetables in North America.
• Experience in Product Placement and Business Development.
• Academic education in agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a Go-To-Market strategy targeting North American retailers and suppliers.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders at key accounts.
• Structure long-term product development plans and sales budgets.
• Drive demand generation within the assigned territory.
• Lead field promotional activities including demo greenhouse tours and product campaigns.
• Coordinate field days and launches to showcase varieties.
• Manage relationships with growers, distributors, and retailers.
• Provide regular reporting on sales and commercial activities.
• Collaborate with research, marketing, and finance teams to evaluate product value and pricing.

Skills

Go-To-Market Strategy

Business Development

Agriculture Industry Experience

Education

Agriculture Education

Job description

Location: New York, NY | Schedule: Full-time

Overview

A seed company specializing in the research, development, production, marketing, and sales of tomato and pepper seed varieties is seeking a Director of Fresh Produce to lead its North America division. This role blends business development with strategic positioning, working directly with retailers and primary suppliers to grow the company's presence and market share across the region.

What you'll do

• Develop and execute a Go-To-Market strategy targeting retailers and suppliers across North America
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders at key accounts
• Structure a long-term product development plan and sales budget
• Drive demand generation within the assigned territory
• Lead field promotional activities including demo greenhouse tours, variety campaigns, customer engagement, and marketing efforts
• Organize field days and field trips at the demo greenhouse
• Actively manage relationships with growers, distributors, and retailers
• Ensure accurate and timely planning and placement of varieties
• Provide regular reporting on sales and commercial activities
• Cultivate relationships with key industry influencers
• Evaluate, adjust, and manage the sales and product pipeline
• Achieve sales revenue targets for the region
• Execute growth plans to increase market share across North America
• Advise on product mix strategy to achieve profitable volume and market share within acceptable risk levels
• Collaborate with research, technical, marketing, and finance teams to evaluate product value, build value propositions, and develop pricing models
• Partner with the customer support team to ensure reliable supply consistent with strategic business plans
• Develop executable product and brand plans
• Plan, coordinate, and set direction for new product launches

Required qualifications

• More than 7 years of experience in the Agro vegetables sector in North America
• Combination of experience in Product Placement and Business Development
• Academic education in agriculture

Why this role

This is an opportunity to lead strategic growth for a company's Fresh Produce division across North America, building high-level relationships with retailers and suppliers while shaping product and market strategy.