Organic Produce Marketing Manager Job

Organic Produce Marketing Manager Job at Okanogan Producers Marketing Association (OPMA) in Okanogan County, Washington – 2019

Organic Produce Marketing Manager Job Description

OPMA is a marketing cooperative directed by five member farms that sell and ship certified organic produce grown in Okanogan County WA.

The cooperative is seeking a highly motivated individual to coordinate sales and facilitate successful communication between producers, customers, delivery drivers, and the broader agricultural community.

Organic Produce Marketing Manager Job Purpose – This position coordinates marketing and delivery of local produce and related products to stores, CSA’s, and other business organizations throughout the Northwest. The Marketing Manager works directly with OPMA Members, Shipping Coordinator and Delivery Personnel to provide the highest quality product, service, and satisfaction to our customers. As a management position, this will often require working efficiently without direct supervision or specific instructions from the board.  This position is an essential component for OPMA’s continued growth and success.

Organic Produce Marketing Manager Duties and Responsibilities – The Marketing Manager will be responsible for establishing and maintaining effective, productive relationships with producers and customers. In addition, the manager is responsible for ensuring that products are available and ready for shipment as promised. This will be achieved by the following actions:

• Actively calling and/or emailing  established customers weekly on their scheduled days.  Including a follow up with an alternative method should the first method result in no response.
• Managing communications through the OPMA email account by responding to all pertinent emails or forwarding them to the appropriate board member.
• Entering data for each sale to ensure accurate orders and correct mistakes when they arise.
• Staying up to date with growers’ weekly crop estimates and request additional information when needed.
• Becoming familiar with the characteristics of each crop, how it will be packed, its flavor profiles, longevity, and other attributes.
• Actively marketing anticipated products well before availability to generate excitement and pre-orders.  This will include providing advanced notice of upcoming crops through customer emails and updates to OPMA’s website and social media.
• Conducting oneself in a professional, respectful, and friendly manner with all customers and producers.
• Maintaining detailed and accurate records of sales, customer contacts/ feedback, personal timesheet, and other pertinent information as it arises.
• Pursuing new customers to ensure sales growth and effective marketing of all goods produced.
• Working with the producers to ensure that customer requirements such as Food Safety standards and Vendor applications are completed in a timely manner.
• Attending Board meetings, usually once per month, when requested by the Board.
• Taking the lead in developing efficient delivery strategies and working with the delivery driver to systemize loads.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Basic computer competency including basic typing skills
• Relevant  agricultural knowledge
• Excellent customer service skills
• Superior communication abilities
• Valid WA drivers license/and clean record
• Must pass a background check
• Verifiable work references

Desirable Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Proficiency in Quickbooks accounting software
• Previous related sales work in agricultural businesses
• Sales and Marketing experience
• Knowledge and understanding of the Organic Certification process

Workplace environment

OPMA  business is conducted in Okanogan, Omak, and Tonasket, WA. It is ideal for the Marketing Manager to live in the Okanogan Valley and a local office space may be provided.

This position requires a flexible work schedule and will likely work on weekend and holidays. However the marketing manager is able to create their own daily schedule and work flow.

Physical Requirements

This position requires sitting, standing, bending, and reaching, It will require a strong command of the English language and will require being on the phone frequently. It may require lifting of up to 45lbs – most often 25lbs.

Rate of Pay

An hourly wage of $20.00 plus 1% of sales completed.

To apply for the Organic Produce Marketing Manager Position:

Please send a cover letter, resume, references, and contact information to opma_farmers@yahoo.com

Check out our website at www.okanoganproducers.org

Follow us at #okanoganproducers