Sales & Marketing Manager - Darwin Perennials

Develop and execute sales and marketing plans for Darwin Perennials based on overall business plan objectives. Participate in, and manage a dynamic product representative team in promoting Darwin Perennials proprietary genetics and supply into the North American and European markets. Lead the launch efforts for new products from initial coordination with product development through market launch. Develop and manage the Darwin Perennials sales and marketing budget and drive for continued increased return for the products and/or brands.

This position supports our perennial vegetative and tissue culture product lines from internal breeding activities and external sources, supply from our farm in Colombia and works closely with our Global Product Manager on product positioning and successful launch.

Essential Functions:

SALES

1. Develop and execute sales plans for Darwin Perennials including pricing, sales goals, product training, and retail presentations.
2. Direct the product representative team that provides technical and sales support to distributor sales partners, young plant producers and finish growers serving the greenhouse and nursery markets.
3. Actively call on key accounts and retailers to promote Darwin Perennials products and programs.
4. Participate in the product development team and work with Global Product Development Manager to create product positioning for upcoming new product introductions
5. Member of the Darwin Perennials Leadership Team

MARKETING

1. Create marketing plans that are aligned with sales and business initiatives including Darwin Perennials Customer Day, catalog development, tradeshows, website content, media planning, etc.
2. Develop go-to-sales and marketing strategies to support product launches and overall assortment to ensure it stays on message, on budget and on time.
3. Develop training programs and materials for Product Representatives and Sales Representatives
4. Member of the Ball Horticultural Sales & Marketing Leadership team to represent Darwin Perennials in corporate events such as California Spring Trials, Cultivate, Gardens at Ball, sales events, etc.

Job Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agri-business, Horticulture, or other relevant field.
2. Minimum 5 years sales management, sales, marketing or national account management experience with preference towards experience with perennials
3. Exceptional interpersonal, sales, presentation and leadership skills; dynamic personality with ability to influence others.
4. Strong customer-focus orientation and demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into successful products and programs.
5. Team orientation and ability to work across departments and business units.
6. Strong organizational skills and ability to read and interpret data reports.
7. Demonstrated desktop computer skills including Microsoft Office, SAP and related software.

Physical Requirements:

1. Have the ability to operate a computer and respond verbally, both in person and over the phone to internal and external customers.
2. Be able to walk to meetings and other locations on West Chicago campus and Elburn greenhouses and field trials.
3. Ability to travel up to 40-50% of the time.

Scope of Responsibility:

• Staff: Takes reports of Product Representatives
• Budgets: Responsible for operating expenses related to Product Representatives and marketing
• 70%: Sales Manager including leading product representative team, providing pricing direction, developing retail relationships and key account management
• 30%: Marketing Manager including Darwin Perennials Day, Catalogs, sell sheets, website, New Variety presentations, etc.