Company description

Real Organic Project is a grassroots, farmer-led non-profit focused on integrity within the certified organic food system. Real Organic Project manages an add-on label for farmers committed to the foundational values and practices of organic farming: integrity, soil health and animal welfare. We currently certify over 1000 farms in North America.

Naturland was founded in 1982 in the South of Germany by farmers and scientists at a time when organic farming and animal welfare interested only a few. The vision of the founders: 100 percent organic, worldwide! Naturland is aiming to promote environmental protection and natural resource conservation through organic farming practices. Naturland is still pursuing this goal, now in 60 countries globally by offering high organic farming and processing standards, always taking the social aspect into consideration.

The newly formed Joint Venture is a shared project between both organizations. The goal is to increase US marketspace for certified organic growers and processors who meet high integrity and sustainability criteria. This new company will work to certify organic processors within North America while also importing Naturland certified products (raw and processed) into the US.

Job description

The National Sales + Marketing Director will be an essential piece of launching and leading Real Organic Project and Naturland's new Joint Venture.

The National Sales + Marketing Director:

• Develops, manages and implements the marketing and sales activities of the Joint Venture between Real Organic Project and Naturland
• Works closely with the JV Board of Directors, domestic and international farmers, and the staff of Naturland and Real Organic Project
• Proactively engages with all stakeholders to ensure the organization's development and sales goals are met
• Thinks and acts creatively, and with purpose, to engage new clients and find opportunities for the Joint Venture to be successful

This leadership role is an excellent opportunity to work with two well respected organizations to have a significant impact on the US Organic market. This position will be largely self directed and will provide the opportunity to build a program from the ground up while working with a diverse group of stakeholders. Successful applicants will be able to match a passion for organic farming and food with demonstrated experience in marketing and sales.

Experience and Skills:

• 5+ years managing complex sales and marketing channels
  • At least 3 years of experience managing the full life cycle of a sales channel (from generating leads to sale)
• 5+ years working with organic and natural retailers/processors in a sales or marketing capacity
• 3+ years of experience working with national brands and retailers in the organic and natural foods space
• Ability to travel at least 30% of the time (travel costs paid by Joint Venture)
• Strong portfolio of connections within the organic and natural foods retailer and/or processor space
• Demonstrated experience building sales and marketing channels with year over year increases in sales volume
• Previous experience working in a startup environment and/or an environment that requires significant independence and self motivation
• Ability to work proficiently with simple and complex technology programs like Salesforce, Zoom and Google Suite products
• A valid driver's license will be required to rent vehicles while traveling to visit clients across the country
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal forms
• Demonstrated experience setting and meeting ambitious goals
• Deep knowledge of the organic and natural foods industry
• Demonstrated experience creating and managing budgets

Responsibilities

• Manage the entirety of the Joint Venture program including any responsibilities that may not be listed in this document
• Create and adhere to budgets for the Joint Venture
• Create and distribute written and visual collateral to aid in marketing and sales
• Attend conferences and other industry events on behalf of the Joint Venture
• Actively network in person, and virtually, with prospective clients
• Be the public voice of the Joint Venture by actively seeking out speaking and other earned media opportunities.
• Manage communication between the Joint Venture, Naturland and Real Organic Project
• Develop relationships with brands, retailers, distributors and importers
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the organic retail space as it relates to Joint Venture products
• Directly interface with farmers certified to sell through the joint venture and/or brands hoping to sell their products in the US. This includes “matchmaking” between farmers and processors
• Manage recordkeeping for the Joint Venture along with any related certification documents
• Maintain up to date information about the Joint Venture on any relevant websites and/or social media
• Although this role does not currently involve supervising staff, as the Joint Venture grows this role may involve direct and indirect staff supervision

Compensation

this position is: salaried, more than $100,000

Location

job can be done remotely

Application instructions

Deadline

June 16, 2023