Sales Manager, Wholesale Produce
Job Description
This role offers the opportunity to lead a Northeast wholesale sales effort from Branford, CT, crafting and executing a regional strategy, building regional buyer relationships, and coordinating with procurement, operations, and logistics to ensure timely order fulfillment.
As part of C&D OPERATIONS LLC, you will engage with regional grocery chains, food service distributors, restaurant and hospitality groups, food and beverage manufacturers, and university, hospital, and school dining programs across the Northeast. You will also leverage knowledge of key distribution hubs such as Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx and the Boston Market Terminal to optimize purchasing and logistics. On-site collaboration with cross-functional teams and regional partners will drive revenue growth and service quality across a dense, multi-state territory.
Responsibilities
- Formulate and drive a wholesale sales plan to meet revenue and volume targets across the Northeast U.S., prioritizing metro hubs such as New York City, Boston, Hartford, and nearby areas
- Create and nurture relationships with regional grocery chains, food service distributors, hospitality and dining operators, manufacturers, and institutional programs throughout the Northeast
- Utilize familiarity with major distribution hubs such as Hunts Point Produce Market (Bronx, NY) and the Boston Market Terminal to support purchasing and logistics coordination
- Identify and onboard new wholesale accounts while expanding share of wallet with current customers
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and volume commitments in line with margin targets
- Monitor regional market conditions, commodity pricing, and competitive activity to guide sales decisions amid changing supply dynamics
- Collaborate with procurement, operations, and logistics to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment across a multi-state territory
- Provide weekly and monthly forecasts, pipeline reports, and account performance updates to senior leadership
- Address customer concerns about product quality, delivery, or billing promptly and professionally
- Represent the company at regional trade shows and industry events, including New England Produce Council functions and Mid-Atlantic conferences
Requirements
- Five or more years of sales experience in fresh produce, perishable foods, or food distribution
- Demonstrated success in achieving or surpassing wholesale sales targets
- In-depth knowledge of fresh produce commodities, seasonality, and supply chain dynamics
- Superior negotiation, communication, and presentation abilities
- Ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities in fast-paced, time-sensitive settings
- Proficiency with CRM systems and the Microsoft Office Suite
Technologies
- CRM software
- Microsoft Office Suite
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Frequent sitting, standing, and walking
- Occasionally required to climb, bend, kneel, or lift up to 50 lbs
- Potential exposure to outside elements and inclement weather conditions
- 24/7 operations with a flexible schedule to include nights and weekends as needed