Director of Sales and Business Development

At Growers Transplanting, we lead the way in agricultural innovation with over 5.5 million square feet of state-of-the-art greenhouses and advanced field operations. Specializing in both nursery and field transplanting, we produce high-quality vegetable and fruit seedlings that set the industry standard. With over 40 years of horticultural expertise, we leverage cutting-edge technology and automation to optimize transplanting efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve crop production. Our solution-driven approach and commitment to excellence empower us to build strong, long-term partnerships with growers, ensuring their success through every season.

Position Summary

We are now seeking a Director of Sales & Business Development to drive growth and expand opportunities in the agricultural sector, with a focus on transplanting practices. This hands-on role requires deep expertise in agriculture, a knack for building strong relationships with stakeholders, and a practical approach to overseeing operations. You will collaborate with leadership to develop business strategies, identify industry trends, and establish long-term partnerships.

Key responsibilities include securing new sales accounts, leading a high-performing sales team, ensuring product quality, working directly with plants and growers, providing ongoing sales support, monitoring crop margins, adjusting pricing strategies, and managing the budget and transplanting operations to maintain cost efficiency.

Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sales and business development strategy to drive growth in the agricultural transplanting industry.
• Set clear and achievable sales targets and objectives aligned with the company’s over-all goals.
• Lead, coach, and motivate a high-performing sales team, ensuring they have the tools, training, and resources to succeed.
• Monitor team performance, provide regular feedback, and hold team members ac-countable for meeting or exceeding sales goals.
• Conduct regular sales meetings to review progress, troubleshoot challenges, and share best practices.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key customers, prospects, and industry stakeholders to ensure customer retention and growth.
• Identify new market opportunities and expand the company’s reach within the agricul-tural transplanting sector.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to build brand awareness and generate leads.
• Regular travel to visit clients, observe plantings, and assess service delivery across different regions, ensuring satisfaction and building long-term partnerships.
• Engage with internal stakeholders, including Operations and Growing teams, to ensure customer needs are met and service delivery aligns with client expectations.
• Work closely with the Operations and Growing departments to align sales and opera-tional strategies, ensuring smooth execution of projects and services.
• Communicate customer feedback, market trends, and competitive insights to help guide product development, pricing strategies, and service offerings.
• Collaborate with marketing and other departments to ensure the sales team has the necessary support and resources to succeed.
• Identify new business opportunities and potential partnerships that drive growth in key agricultural markets.
• Lead efforts to expand services into new geographic areas or customer segments.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify areas for improvement and potential market shifts.
• Track and analyze sales performance using CRM tools and data analytics, providing regular updates to the leadership team on progress towards sales targets.
• Prepare detailed sales forecasts and adjust strategies as necessary to meet evolving market conditions.
• Ensure all sales activities are documented accurately and that the sales pipeline is managed efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, specifications, and best practices.
• Perform all duties in accordance with environmental, food safety, safety rules and regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

*Range: $125,000 to $170,000 annually. The compensation range for this role will include a base salary, supplemented by a performance-driven bonus structure.  The compensation range for this role is determined by factors such as location and required skills. Compensation is influenced by labor market conditions and various factors, including but not limited to: the prevailing minimum wage in the area, relevant education, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, travel requirements, sales or revenue targets, and business needs. It is not typical for a new hire to be offered the highest end of the salary range. Pay decisions are made based on the unique circumstances of each candidate and position. 

In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, and other benefits to eligible employees. 

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in pertinent field of study preferred. 
• 8+ years of experience successfully managing accounts and procuring new business. 
• Microsoft office intermediate level required. 
• Business travel 50%. 
• Conversational (English/Spanish) preferred but not required. 
• Ability to work with all levels of management. 
• Valid CA Driver’s License and eligibility for company vehicle insurance. 
• 15+ years of Agriculture Experience

Physical Requirements

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; frequently required to talk or hear; and occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities by this job include close distance and color vision. 

*This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed in the Position Summary are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees interested in learning more about the essential duties and responsibilities of this position should complete the Position Interest Form and submit it to the Human Resources Department.