Customer & Business Development Director

Come and join the leading #avoexperts 🥑 

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognized as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

We’re looking for a Customer & Business Development Director to join our team in Oxnard, California.

Job Summary

This is a key strategic leader responsible for identifying, developing, and executing growth opportunities that drive revenue, expand market share, garner results and strengthen customer partnerships for the North American division of Westfalia. This individual will lead, develop and support the commercial team to elevate Westfalia Fruit North American’s presence and position. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Growth & Market Expansion

• Develop, plan and execute a comprehensive business strategy aligned with corporate goals to drive revenue growth and market share for avocados and value-added avocado products.
• Identify and implement new business opportunities, partnerships, and market expansion strategies to expand the company’s footprint and drive revenue.
• Identify and assess emerging trends in produce, competitive dynamics in the avocado space, and industry disruptions to shape long-term commercial plans.
• Collaborate with executive, global commercial and operational leadership at Westfalia Global to drive business priorities and results.
• Develop innovative go-to-market strategies that enhance brand positioning and competitiveness of Westfalia Fruit North America.

Revenue & Sales Optimization

• Lead sales and marketing teams to determine pricing strategy, positioning, and go-to-market strategies for fresh and value-added avocado products.
• Lead sales and marketing teams to enhance customer acquisition and retention by being able to articulate strategies and execute at pace.
• Drive customer segmentation and target strategies to maximize revenue opportunities, gain market share and garner results. 
• Leverage data analytics and market research to inform business decisions and maximize revenue potential.
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics to track business development effectiveness.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Execution

• Work closely with operations, sourcing, finance, and global Westfalia Fruit teams to align commercial efforts with overall business goals.

• Partner with executive leadership to align business development initiatives with global and corporate goals.
• Lead and develop the North American commercial team, fostering a culture of growth, results, integrity, collaboration and performance.

• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking engagements to strengthen presence and business relationships.

Customer & Partner Engagement

• Cultivate relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders to drive growth opportunities.
• Enhance customer value propositions and identify new ways to increase customer lifetime value.
• Represent the company in industry events, negotiations, and high-level business discussions.

• A high-impact leadership role with direct influence on company growth. 

People Leadership

• Identify, develop, and retain top talent that engages in achieving meaningful long-term organizational goals.
• Articulate a clear vision and motivate teams through transparent, authentic, and influential communication.
• Build trust by empowering others, delegating effectively, and fostering autonomy, managing performance and acting with consequence
• Modeling core values and actively shape an inclusive, high-performance culture that thrives on achievement, innovation and industry leadership.

• 10+ years of experience in business development, sales leadership, or strategic partnerships.
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth and securing high-value partnerships.
  Strong understanding of market dynamics, industry trends, and competitive analysis.
• Outstanding capabilities to plan and execute detailed programs that support growth and take into consideration all aspects of the value chain.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to navigate complex business environments and drive decision-making at the executive level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry-Specific Experience, e.g., produce, value-add, avocados.
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Global market experience.
• 30% travel domestically and internationally

What can Westfalia Fruit offer you?

• We offer 8 paid holidays.
• Floating Holidays.
• Health Insurance; Medical, Dental, and Vision at 100% coverage.
• Life Insurance.
• 401K and company matching.
• Paid Vacation.
• Paid Sick Time.  

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.