Recruitment specialists for the Fresh Produce, Food, Agriculture, Viticulture & FMCG Industries.

We are looking for a Grape Guru! An experienced International Sales and Procurement Manager to join a team of well-respected and skilled fresh produce traders in a company recognised as a Global force in the Trade. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing sales and procurement strategies in new and existing international markets for the grape category. Current customers include EU, UK, MENA both retail and non-retail outlets.

To be successful in this role, you must have previous experience in international sales and be familiar with different cultures and business practices. You must be an excellent communicator and have the ability to build relationships with customers from all over the world. You must also be highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Our client is represented with satellite branches and grower partnerships throughout the World. The Trading hub is based in Spain, the fabulous and vibrant city of Valencia.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales and procurement plans for the grape category, to achieve assigned targets for new business, revenue growth, and market share expansion in international markets
• Research and develop strategies and plans which identify marketing opportunities, direct marketing, and new B2B development initiatives
• Manage a team of sales professionals, developing their skills to maximize performance and ensure achievement of individual, team, and company objectives
• Monitor customer, competitor, and market activity and trends, providing input to the development of short- and long-term plans to proactively address changes
• Work closely with other members of the trading team to develop and implement programs, policies, and processes related to international sales
• Develop and maintain relationships with key customers, partners, and influencers in international markets
• Negotiate and manage contracts with customers, distributors, and other third parties
• Plan and oversee logistics for international shipments, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Prepare reports on progress against plans, budgets, and targets for senior management
• Identify and resolve issues which may impede achievement of objectives
• Perform other duties as required or assigned
• Travel internationally as needed

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 5+ years sales & procurement experience in the Grape category
• Proven track record of achieving trading targets
• Strong understanding of international markets and trade regulations
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Fluent in English and one other European language

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience living or working abroad
• In-depth knowledge of one or more foreign markets
• Strong network of contacts in target market(s)
• Ability to travel extensively
• Strong analytical skills
• Leadership, motivate and drive the business
• Problem solving. Identify supply chain issues to maintain customer satisfaction
• Negotiation. To enable and sustain a profitable result for the grape category

Send your CV over to georgina@fmkconsulting.co and frank@fmkconsulting.co to apply

Call Frank on 07734 861080 to have a chat about the role and company in more detail

We have a new opportunity with a UK Importer based in Kent who has a wide portfolio of Fresh Produce : Fruit, Salads, Vegetables and Exotics. These are sold locally in Kent to Hotels, Restaurants, Caterers and a fledgling Home delivery service. The other half of the business deals mainly with core lines in Bananas and Limes on a vertically integrated supply basis. This will deal with their customers in UK and EU Wholesale.

They are committed to growth and among other positions, they are looking for a Sales Manager to join their team in North Kent. This is a SME where responsibilities are often shared to get the job done. If you do not come from a fresh produce background, the sales role is an exciting ground to learn about the fast-paced world of Fresh Produce. If you have a background in Fresh Produce sales, then you will easily fit in to a familiar range of products and customers.

• Take responsibility for local sales and UK/EU Wholesale.
• Jointly develop a sales plan covering current customers and developing new ones.

• Support Team in Sales and sales associated activity.
• Play a central role in price negotiations with customers and suppliers.
• Accurate and timely in administrative tasks.
• Track customer performance and implement new sales initiatives.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Confident communicator and rapport-builder.
• Agile and dynamic with the ability to work under pressure and successfully prioritise.
• Positive attitude, self-motivated mindset and able to work independently.
• A minimum of two years sales experience (B2B) - Fresh produce desirable but not essential.
• Desirable - a knowledge of the Non-Retail sector.
• Written and spoken fluency in English  (other European languages advantageous)

Send a CV over to georgina@fmkconsulting.co or frank@fmkconsulting.co (just.co) to apply, or call Frank Kinsella on 07734 861080 to have a chat about the role in more detail!