Vp Of Sales & Marketing

Nichols Farms is one of the top processors of pistachios in the United States. For more than two decades, Nichols Farms has maintained superior quality and exceptional service in supplying pistachio and almond products to major retail and wholesale clients domestically and internationally. Nichols Farms maintains a state-of-the-art processing facility at their corporate headquarters in Hanford, California, employing over 350 employees. Join the Nichols Farms Team in their objective of continued growth. Nichols Farms possesses a strong employee-oriented environment dedicated to training and growth of team members.

The Nichols Farms Mission and Vision supports a culture of striving for mutual success of our employees, suppliers and customers through operational excellence and educational development.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Sales & Marketing is a position that will lead the company's initiatives in the development of strategic branding, marketing, and sales as well as new product development. The VP of Sales & Marketing is a member of the executive management team and is responsible for contributing to the strategic direction of the company, the development of executional plans for success, and ensuring implementation of all aspects of the sales and marketing initiatives contained within the organization's plans. Reporting to the President, the VP of Sales & Marketing will be an accomplished leader with proven experience in building, managing, and scaling a high-performing sales & marketing organization. This enthusiastic leader will work to ensure that the team is working effectively, put in place the discipline and rigor necessary for high performance, and develop a comprehensive strategy that will facilitate growth and profitability. The VP of Sales & Marketing is responsible for managing all aspects of a strategic sales program including growing the client base, increasing volume and/or profitability with the existing client base, controlling expenses, and directing his/her staff. As an executive leader within the organization, the ideal candidate will share a passion for generating the highest returns possible while being a significant contributor to the long-term success of Nichols Farms.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

SALES

• Develop and participate in selected customer sales presentations, providing analytical perspective on industry, category, and product trends.
• Oversee the development of customer business plans for growth in existing accounts and new business.
• Develop a sales plan to support the growth of the company that is aligned with the marketing and branding strategic plans.
• Drive the internal process for improving strategic customer relationships and customer services by account.
• Develop a sales organizational structure that will lead to mutual success within the department and organization as a whole.

MARKETING

• Lead the development and implementation of the Company's marketing plans for all products and market segments which may encompass advertising, promotion, pricing, public relations, identity, creative design, product development, promotional and merchandising programs, and support services.
• Conduct customer account performance reviews and ensure the effective use and analysis of sales data and forecasts, along with market intelligence, to evaluate product and account performance and initiate action plans to improve supply chain, sales, and marketing results.
• Develop and execute a defined marketing and communications strategy that supports business growth and enhances brand awareness that is aligned with the brand strategy.
• Collect customer and competitor data for analysis on where to grow the business and develop successful marketing and sales growth plans.
• Build relationships with the media and PR team to create effective strategies for all organizational communications.
• Develop consumer educational and promotional programs to educate all stakeholders on consumer buying preferences.
• Develop organizational marketing events to support the overall vision, mission, and core values of the company to support the brand.

BRAND GROWTH

• Strives for improved customer service and consumer satisfaction to support the integrity of the brand.
• Improve and maintain the branding strategy for the success of the organization's future growth.
• Monitor, compile, and disseminate relevant competitor data.
• Develop standardized branded messages and appearance in all materials including packaging, marketing, and communication materials to ensure consistency.
• Improve and maintain brand marketing and sales strategies that identify, build, and sustain relationships to drive revenue/profitability growth, provide succinct messaging and build the integrity of the brand.
• Through effective communication and diligent monitoring, protect the brand from internal and external threats.
• Develops and maintains brand marketing guidelines and policies.

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Work with the executive management team to review & improve the current process for new product development and establish standards for proposing new products.
• Assist the organization at identifying new products to consider.
• Develop the marketing, promotional and sales plans for new products.

ADMINISTRATION

• Develop proposed departmental structure to plan, organize and manage all areas related to the sales, marketing, and new product development functions within the organization.
• Develop job descriptions that meet the departmental structure; lead the search to select the best candidate for open positions.
• Prepare periodic reports and presentations for the executive management team, shareholders, board members, employees, and growers.
• Develop and monitor sales, marketing, and new product development budgets.

Job Competencies

• Team involvement: Works effectively with teams and work groups. Actively participates in problem solving and interacts with team and work groups to achieve team and organizational goals.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills
• Prioritization: Ability to quickly prioritize among numerous pressing tasks and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Goal orientation: Attention to establishing and achieving goals and objectives for self and team on a continuous basis.
• Leadership: Ability to influence others to perform their jobs effectively and to be responsible for making decisions.
• People development: Ability to develop and coach team, and to identify team member opportunities and strengths.
• Motivation: Ability to be self-motivated and independently driven. Ability to lead and encourage team by inspiring and guiding toward goal achievement.
• Initiative: Ability to perform in a fast-paced ever-changing work environment
• Detail orientated: Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Continuous improvement: Active participant in continuous improvement initiatives and goals. Seeks opportunities to improve self and processes.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to change in the workplace. Capable of functioning in a fast-paced entrepreneurial corporate setting.
• Interpersonal: Ability to effectively build relationships with co-workers and external customers

Education And Experience

• Strong problem-solving skills; analytical and data-driven; able to come up with creative solutions to unique challenges.
• Proficiency working with ERP systems and BI tools (i.e., Sage X3 and Tableau)
• Minimum of 15 years in sales & marketing, new product development, and brand growth
• A comprehensive knowledge of a grower, packer, shipper, processor business model.
• A BA/BS degree (e.g., business, marketing, or agriculture) is desirable and/or equivalent experience.
• Excellent verbal and written skills as well as the ability to make presentations.
• Exceptional ability to conceptualize large-picture projects and foresee challenges and needs to be addressed
• Ability to plan and manage at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Demonstrated results in identifying clients, presenting proposals, and closing sales.
• Understanding of U.S. retail market; retail sales experience and strong retail relationships at a senior level
• Demonstrated ability to develop cross-functional relationships

• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks and meet constant deadlines with strong attention to detail and quality control
• Strong written and oral communication skills; able to converse effectively across all levels of the organization and with external entities
• Strong organization skills with the ability to execute multiple parallel projects