Organically Grown Company Looking for New Marketing Manager - October 2011
Promoting Health Through Organic Agriculture as a Leading Sustainable Organization
Organically Grown Company (OGC) is the largest wholesaler of organic produce in the Pacific Northwest with Eugene and Portland, Oregon and Kent, Washington locations. Formed in 1978 as a non-profit grower support organization, it was restructured as a for-profit agricultural marketing cooperative in 1982, and as an S Corporation, which allowed employee participation in ownership, in 1999. It retains a commitment to regional organic farmers and sustainable business practices, nurturing long-standing, valuable relationships with farmers and retail customers that range from large chains to single-store co-ops.
This profitable, entrepreneurial business is now grower and employee-owned (an ESOP) and nationally recognized as a premier, mission-integrated wholesale distributor of fine organics. Over 90 percent of OGC’s product line comes directly from growers. OGC markets its LADYBUG produce line, sourced from numerous NW regional farms that provide over 100 seasonal items that meet strict certification requirements. Though OGC now employs close to 200 people, its original cultural values remain at the heart of the business- passionate about organic farming and the vitality of organically grown produce, supportive of sustainable practices, and maintaining a unique, family-friendly workplace that operates with cooperation, candor and transparency.
Marketing Manager Opportunity
OGC seeks a Marketing Manager who will report to the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. This key leader will work closely with the VP of Sales and Marketing, The Director of Sales and Account Management, and the Marketing team to execute OGC’s marketing strategy. Primary responsibilities are to participate in the development and maintenance of strategies to meet marketing and sales goals; develop branding, advertising, labeling, point of sale and point of purchase materials, web site and other social media; and manage company sponsored events including vendor fairs, “Organicology” conferences, farm tours, and OGC’s in-house gatherings and celebrations.
The Marketing Manager is responsible for the timely communication of customer and other company information to the appropriate people inside and outside of the company to ensure customer service standards are met, and ensure that OGC’s employees and partners have an understanding of organic trade industry dynamics and developments. In addition, he/she supports the VP of Sales and Marketing in the execution of the Marketing Department agenda, manages budgets and vendor relationships, and supervises two Marketing staff members.
Experience & Qualifications
An ideal candidate will have at least five years of marketing experience and an undergraduate degree in Marketing or Business. Strong project management and organizational skills and a successful track record of participating in the development and maintenance of marketing plans and strategies, including experience with labeling, branding and packaging, in a dynamic, fast-growing entrepreneurial business is necessary--preferably in the fresh produce or organic food industry. The skill and ability to use up-to-date technology to produce graphics, imagery, packaging and promotional materials, and experience in public speaking and creating sales and marketing presentations is important in this position.
OGC seeks candidates with an authentic commitment to our mission and future aspirations as well as a commitment to sustainable business practices. Proven skills as a manager, planner, and marketing professional with the ability to participate in the development of a strategic marketing plan for the organization are essential. OGC requires our leaders to maintain a customer focus, drive for results, high integrity, effective problem solving skills and work/life balance. In addition, timely decision-making and the ability to influence throughout the organization will be keys to success. Working effectively and collegially with professional leaders, diverse cultures and those with varied backgrounds is required. OGC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We welcome your interest, suggestions or referrals. Apply online at apply@organicgrown.com.
For further consideration, please contact:
Glenda Goodrich
Director of Human Resources
Organically Grown Company
ggoodrich@organicgrown.com
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