Director Business Development

Job Details

Description

JOB SUMMARY

Drive the development and execution of Calavo’s growth in new and existing markets to increase business revenue. Establish results driven standards governing growth of the business, lead generation, prospect contact, follow-up, and market research. Develop strategies for assessing customer needs and positioning the organization's products or services as potential solutions.

Business Development Director will lead Calavo’s growth strategy in the avocado and tomato markets. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of the industry, a strong network of industry contacts, and a proven track record of successfully driving revenue growth. This leadership role requires strategic vision, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to cultivate relationships with key stakeholders.

Roles And Responsibilities

Drive the development and execution of Calavo’s growth in new and existing markets to increase business revenue. . Create, maintain and track marketing efforts while also assessing sales and marketing results.

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive business development strategies to drive growth in the avocado and tomato sectors, aligning with the company’s overall goals.
• Partnering with client and Calavo leadership team; to scope projects, their duration and the high-level work plans to build market presence in the industry.
• Meticulously transition new business to Sales Support
• Market Analysis: Conduct in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape, providing actionable insights for decision-making.
• Work with key stakeholders to facilitate the development of new programs. Facilitate, lead and close new deals and accounts.
• Client Acquisition: Identify and secure new business opportunities by targeting retailers, food service providers, and other potential clients.
• Measures and reports on the conversion rate of new business opportunities into actual sales and average revenue generated per new client
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients, suppliers, and industry partners to foster loyalty and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the business development team, providing guidance, training, and support to achieve sales objectives.
• Increase value of current customers while attracting new ones.
• Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, operations, and finance teams to ensure alignment on business strategies and optimal service delivery.
• Developing relationships, networking, and advertising to generate interest in branded products and services
• Sales Performance: Monitor and analyze sales performance metrics, reporting results to senior management and adjusting strategies as necessary that meet Calavo and client needs.
• Ensure the coordination and alignment of deliverables to maximize value
• Ensure projects are delivered on-time and at margin targets
• Contract Negotiation: Oversee negotiations with clients and partners, ensuring favorable terms that support long-term business relationships.
• Industry Representation: Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and industry events, enhancing brand visibility and promoting our products.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agriculture, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in business development or sales management within the food and beverage sector, with specific expertise in avocados and tomatoes highly desirable.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful business strategies that drive revenue growth.
• Strong previous experience leading the delivery of Agriculture projects or a relevant project management experience in the international development sector
• Strong understanding of supply chain dynamics and market trends within the food and beverage sector.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to analyze complex data and market intelligence to inform strategic decisions.
• Proficient in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

• Ability to apply critical thinking, use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses, apply alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced analytical thinking skills
• Advanced conflict resolution skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Ability to work well with leaders at varied levels with positive results and outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a positive disposition, high level of professionalism and work ethic.
• Ability to apply critical and logical thinking skills, and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to develop and mentor others.
• Establishes departmental policies, practices, and procedures that have a significant impact on increasing business revenue.
  
  

WORK DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this Job it is primarily (sedentary or working in a chilled factory or warehouse environment), the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk or hear; sit for prolong periods and use hands to finger, handle, lift or feel. May be exposed periodically to chilled or warm temperatures within the operation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Calavo Growers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: Calavo is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Calavo are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Calavo will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.