Job Opportunity - Market Mobile Sales Manager

[Land Jobs Stuff – RI + MA + CT ag]

Organization Information

Begun in 2004 as a student thesis project at Brown University, Farm Fresh Rhode Island has grown briskly to capture the public interest in locally grown food and translate it into sales for RI farmers and producers. Strongly mission-driven, Farm Fresh RI achieved 501c3 status in 2007, and has since implemented a variety of programs to enhance the local food system of the Rhode Island region, with particular attention to farm viability and low-income access to fresh food. Farm Fresh RI operates a wide range of marketplace programs (retail, wholesale, processing) that engage and connect tens of thousands of RI, MA and CT eaters with thousands of RI, MA and CT farmers.

Mission: Farm Fresh RI is growing a local food system that values the environment, health and quality of life of RI farmers and eaters.

Vision: A New England abundant with diverse family farms and fertile soils, with locally and honestly produced foods and flavors at the heart of every dinner table.

Summary of Position

This is a full-time, salaried position reporting to the Program Director for Food System Enterprise (FSE). Salary starting at $42,000, with excellent benefits.

The Market Mobile Sales Manager will play a key role in the development and implementation of sales strategy and will be the primary point of communications with both farmers and food producers— who sell products through Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s wholesale distribution system, Market Mobile— and their customers, from chefs and caterers to grocers and institutions. This position will report to the Program Director of Food System Enterprise, and will work with the rest of the team to steward and grow strong relationships with farmers and producers alike. The manager is charged with growing participation in Market Mobile while assuring successful relationships with customers.

This position works closely with the Operations Associate and Market Mobile Associate to assure smooth daily operations, and customer and producer satisfaction.

Primary Outcomes
The outcomes below represent the expectations of what this position will be working toward as a leader at Farm Fresh RI.

• Customer Care & Retention: Valuable, personal service is provided with integrity and sincerity. All requests and issues are resolved promptly and proactively with friendly, courteous service. Issues are documented and learned from. Customers are satisfied with our services.
• Outreach to New Customers: Sales numbers grow with customers who are engaged and excited about supporting local food and farms year round. New customers purchase through Market Mobile, while overall purchasing grows across existing customers.
• Systems and Strategy: Tools and methods to track sales, analyze trends, and share feedback with farmers and producers are robust, evaluated regularly, and refined to deliver the best results. Technology systems are enhanced to improve user experiences — for both customers and producers.
• Sales and Operations Work Hand in Hand: All information is ready for the packhouse and deliveries in a timely manner. All paperwork is filled out completely and properly. Drivers and receivers are aware of new products and are able to share information with customers.
• Knowledge of Farmers, Food Producers, and Products: To sell on behalf of farmers and food producers, this position will have a deep understanding of individual farms, farmers, growing practices, seasonal availability, food safety practices, sourcing and production methods. Farmers and food producers are respected partners. Their stories are learned and shared.
• Standing Orders with Customers, Crop Planning with Farmers: Sales for farmers and food producers grow as the result of this position’s ability to make connections and introductions that result in standing orders. Securing standing orders from large customers provides critical data to farmers for crop planning and seed purchasing. Supply and demand grow simultaneously with trusted partners and clearly stated agreements.
• Sourcing Regional Products: Management of inventory systems ensures that regional products are sourced and available for sale. Items held in inventory are well stocked according to customer needs and sold before their sell-by dates. New products are identified, connections are made, and products are sourced and sold.
• Leadership: Teams are cohesive, productive, and efficient. Farm Fresh RI is held in high regard for the quality of our work. Performance standards are achieved and personnel policies upheld.
• Supervision: Employees and volunteers receive oversight on their work. Tasks are delegated effectively with all members accountable for the results of the team.
• Communication & Feedback: All team members receive communication in a timely, respectful, and informative manner. Team members receive constructive feedback and coaching to reach individual and team goals.
• Resource Management: Resources are utilized and preserved in a manner that allows the program to function and thrive.
• Planning: Systems are organized and efficient. Advanced planning ensures all tasks are completed on time.
• Project & Time Management: Teams and individuals accomplish near-term objectives and are strategic in making progress toward long-term goals.

Organizational Outcomes
As a team member at Farm Fresh RI, you will also work to ensure the following foundational outcomes for our organization.

• Diversity, Inclusion & Respect: All staff and volunteers are committed to equality in the workplace, demonstrate respect for each other and those we serve, and work to create a more equitable food system.
• Food Safety: Certifications are maintained and standard operating procedures are followed in order to handle all food properly.
• Health & Safety: Staff, volunteers, and visitors are safe in the Packhouse and on the road. Staff and volunteers feel safe and supported in the workplace.
• Food Systems Knowledge: All workers are able to speak about local, sustainable, and equitable food system development and understand how Farm Fresh RI programs address different aspects of these topics.
• Service Orientation: Staff and volunteers are helpful and respectful in all interactions with each other and constituents of all Farm Fresh RI programs.

Desired Qualifications

• 3–5 years of management experience.
• Confidence working in a technology driven environment.
• Strong and strategic communications skills across a variety of media.
• Excellent time-management skills.
• Ability to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment.
• Outcomes-oriented project management skills and follow-through.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule. There will be regular early mornings shifts. Evenings and occasional weekends will be required depending on the season.
• Ability to lift 50 lb. to a height of 3–4 feet.
• Reliable transportation and valid drivers license.

To Apply

• Please send resumes to Jesse Rye at je...@farmfreshri.org.
• Application deadline: April 29, 2019. Interviews begin May 1.
• No phone calls or drop-ins please