Wenatchee, Washington | Full-Time | On-Site
Reports To: Director of Sales & Marketing
Position Summary
Linda Fruit is seeking an experienced, results-driven Export Sales Manager to lead and expand our international sales business. This position combines strategic sales leadership, market development, and key account management across multiple global regions.
The Export Sales Manager will provide leadership and direction to our established Mexico and Central America sales team while managing strategic customer relationships throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This role is responsible for developing and executing international sales strategies, identifying new market opportunities, growing customer partnerships, and ensuring alignment between customer demand, operational capabilities, and company objectives.
The ideal candidate brings strong produce industry expertise, proven success in export sales, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to navigate diverse international markets and cultures.
Key Responsibilities
International Sales Leadership & Market Development
- Develop and execute international sales strategies that support company growth objectives across assigned export markets.
- Identify, evaluate, and pursue new business opportunities, customers, and market segments to expand Linda Fruit's global presence.
- Build long-term strategic relationships with importers, distributors, retailers, and key industry stakeholders.
- Monitor global market conditions, customer demand trends, competitive activity, and pricing dynamics to maximize market opportunities and profitability.
- Represent Linda Fruit at industry trade shows, customer meetings, and international business events.
Mexico & Central America Team Leadership
- Lead and support an established team of Mexico-based account managers responsible for wholesale, terminal market, and retail business throughout Mexico and Central America.
- Provide coaching, strategic direction, and performance guidance to ensure execution of regional sales objectives.
- Partner with team members to develop customer growth strategies, annual sales plans, and market expansion initiatives.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the international sales team and Wenatchee-based leadership, operations, logistics, and procurement teams.
- Foster strong communication and collaboration across teams while ensuring alignment with company priorities and customer commitments.
Southeast Asia & Middle East Account Management
- Manage key customer relationships throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with responsibility for sales performance, customer satisfaction, and business growth.
- Assume ownership of existing customer relationships through a structured knowledge transfer and transition process.
- Develop annual business plans, promotional strategies, and seasonal programs tailored to customer and market needs.
- Negotiate pricing, volume commitments, and supply programs while maintaining profitable and sustainable customer partnerships.
Sales Operations & Supply Chain Coordination
- Oversee the sales process from forecasting and order management through shipment completion and customer follow-up.
- Collaborate closely with procurement, inventory planning, quality assurance, and operations teams to align supply with market demand and customer commitments.
- Coordinate export logistics, documentation, regulatory compliance, and phytosanitary requirements to ensure successful international shipments.
- Support forecasting, demand planning, and inventory allocation decisions through ongoing market analysis and customer engagement.
- Maintain accurate customer records, sales forecasts, market intelligence, and business development activities.
Travel
- Frequent domestic and international travel is required.
- Travel will include customer visits, market development activities, trade shows, and business meetings throughout Mexico, Central America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Agriculture, Marketing, International Business, or a related field; equivalent industry experience may be considered.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in produce sales, export sales, or international business development.
- Fluency in both English and Spanish, including written and verbal business communication.
- Demonstrated success developing and managing customer relationships in international markets.
- Strong understanding of export logistics, international trade practices, and produce supply chains.
- Proven ability to negotiate, influence, and build trust across diverse cultures and business environments.
- Valid passport and ability to travel internationally.
Preferred
- Experience leading, coaching, or managing sales professionals.
- Experience selling fresh produce into Mexico, Central America, Southeast Asia, or Middle Eastern markets.
- Knowledge of apple and tree fruit production, marketing, and distribution.
- Familiarity with retail, wholesale, and foodservice distribution channels.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a bachelor's degree in Business, Agriculture, Marketing, International Business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant industry experience?
- Do you have experience identifying new markets, developing new business opportunities, and growing existing customer accounts?
- Do you have experience working with retail, wholesale, or foodservice distribution channels?
- Have you previously led, coached or managed a sales team?
Work Location: In person