Sales Manager

Project EATS (PE) seeks an experienced food Sales Manager to join its dynamic and growing team.  Our Sales Manager will be responsible for implementing the 2023 PE sales strategy for our fresh produce and plant-based prepared food products.  After initial implementation, the sales manager will provide recommendations for improvements that align with PE’s mission work and sales goals.  This position is responsible for the management of PE’s sales operations and staff at PE’s food stall in The Market Line at Essex Crossing, our three community-based farm stands, institutional sales, and online sales.  The Sales Manager reports to PE’s Senior Director of Operations.

KEY DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Implementation + Improvement

• Implement PE sales strategy and specific plans to ensure revenue growth for both communities and market rate accounts

• Work with the Senior Director of Operations to develop and implement pricing, marketing, and promotion or loyalty strategies to increase sales

• Collaborate with farm management to develop and implement a crop plan strategy that balances crops that maximize profitability and crops that serve the interests of communities in which we farm

Business Development

• Manage all aspects of sales including relationship management, invoicing, logistics, and development and implementation of Standard Sales Operating Procedures

• Identify and cultivate relationships with customers that align with PE mission and vision to create new revenue opportunities

• Work with the Community Manager and Senior Director of Operation to understand what products and sales techniques appeal to communities in which Project EATS operates and what products are needed at Farmacy stands

• Work with farm management to support crop planning and harvest timing to meet customer needs

• Work with the Culinary Manager and Senior Director of Operations to cultivate and develop new and regular customers at PE’s  eat-in and take-out stall/restaurant locations.  

• Work with farm management to ensure sufficient allocations of crops to Project EATS farm stands, Farmacies and CSA.

• Work with PE’s chef in allocating crops for PE’s online and catering/meal delivery packages 

Marketing/Communications

• Develop and execute promotions and programs to drive sales, traffic, and digital engagement across Project EATS communities and sales channels

Team Management

• Develop, implement, and manage standard operating procedures to ensure all sales channels/locations look appealing, are in good working condition, and well maintained 

• Ensure proper and secure cash handling procedures are in place and adhered to

• Interview, hire and schedule sales employees for different sales sites, with a emphasis on hiring from our communities following the PE developed recruiting plan

• Create and implement onboarding and training documents for sales team members

• Create and deliver scheduled performance reviews and actionable development plans for sales staff

• Sales Reporting

  • Manage recording and reporting of complete, accurate sales data at all sales locations

  • Monitor sales performance and implement timely course corrections when needed throughout the year

  • Accurately forecast annual, quarterly and monthly revenue streams

  • Ensure sales data software/programming is being used effectively by all sales team members to accurately track sales and invoicing 

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three (3) years in sales, with two (2) years that includes direct to consumer sales and one (1) year of managing a sales team and operations f 

• Experience selling to chefs and restaurant groups preferred

• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred

• Clear and effective verbal and written communications

• Experience cultivating and developing sustainable relationships with customers

• Experience in financial management

• Valid driver’s license, experience and comfort operating a commercial van in NYC

• Ability to travel to program sites around the New York City metropolitan area as required

• Bilingual skills, especially Spanish, is a plus

• Experience working with diverse communities and in low-income communities, a plus

MANDATORY PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• A team player that is committed to PE’s mission

• Self-motivated with a bias towards action

• Willingness to go the extra mile when necessary

• Sound judgment and integrity

• Analytical thinking and problem solving with superior organizational skills

• Flexible, comfortable with ambiguity and possess a passion for continuous learning

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you may be asked and expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your manager.

Salary Range: $53-58K/year depending on experience plus benefits and commission

ABOUT PROJECT EATS

Growing Urban Food Networks to Create Livable Futures

Project EATS (PE) occupies a unique space in the urban agricultural landscape of New York City.  Founded in 2009 by artist Linda Goode Bryant, Project EATS seeks to catalyze and support residents and infrastructure of low-wealth urban communities to increase their own ability to create conditions that transform their neighborhoods into vital hubs for health and wellbeing.  PE believes that increased self-determination and resiliency in these communities will enhance their economic power and food sovereignty.

The PE model features small-plot, community-based and operated, high-yield farms – both ground-level and rooftop.  Using sustainable, primarily hand-grown, farming methods, and employing seeding, succession planning, and carbon waste reuse, PE works to maximize crop yields and provide the community with ease of access to healthy, ultra-local ‘income appropriate’ food.  PE also operates community farm stands, food pantries, and food Farmacies, to increase resident access to and consumption of nutritious food, and offers an array of workforce development, employment, and learning opportunities for community members.  The use of art in PE programs increases the use of imagination, creativity, commitment, and determination as tools for reshaping social, economic, cultural, and environmental conditions in communities that support their ability to thrive and enhance their visions of what’s possible.

Benefits include employer-paid medical insurance and paid time off.

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at Project EATS where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

To apply for this position, please forward a resume, as well as a substantive cover letter outlining your interests and qualifications. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered. NO CALLS PLEASE.