Postharvest Technical Sales & Support Specialist

Who We Are:

Smithers-Oasis is a diverse global manufacturer and marketer of floral foam and design media, floral accessories, postharvest products, cellular growing media, temperature control packaging, medical impression foam, and custom foams for specialized applications. Our business divisions include OASIS Floral Products, FloraLife Postharvest Products, Design Master, OASIS Grower Solutions, Temprecision International, Medical Impression Foam, and Engineered Products.

Our business divisions and operating units all have the same goal - to provide solutions-based products and services - and our network of facilities around the world enables Smithers-Oasis to provide these at the local level, yet with a global perspective. For floral markets, that means products that reflect local cultural preferences and traditions. From horticultural and postharvest perspectives, we work with suppliers throughout the global supply chain to maximize crop production and protect products from harvest to the point of sale. For our specialty foam divisions, we drive innovation, accept accountability, and are positioned to partner with operations worldwide.

At Smithers-Oasis, we are committed to quality and innovation. We are proud to collaborate with our communities to create longstanding, supportive partnerships and customer satisfaction.

To learn more about who we are, please visit our website at www.smithersoasis.com.

What We Need:

We are looking for a talented individual to fill the role of Postharvest Technical Sales and Support Specialist.  This position will have dual reporting to our FloraLife and OASIS Floral Products divisions.  The objective of this role is to:

• Grow postharvest product sales in the North American Floral Traditional Wholesale channel
• Serve as the primary FloraLife support expert for our OASIS Floral Products division, providing guidance and expertise on all FloraLife related matters
• Execute on short and long-term strategies to encourage growth and brand awareness for FloraLife
• Identify and evaluate new product and service opportunities, driving their development and successful market introduction

Key Responsibilities of this role include (but are not limited to):

Market Information

• Report on general floral wholesale/retail market information including sales trends, competitors, customer needs and wants from a product & information standpoint.
• Understand and keep up to date on how flowers are moving throughout the channel. Identify opportunities to enhance the value of cut flowers at all stages.
• Gather and report on OASIS® product trends in the market

Communication

• Work with S-O NA/FloraLife Marketing to simplify FloraLife technical Information. Effectively break down complex technical content about products and flower care techniques
• Work collaboratively with the S-O NA/FloraLife Marketing teams to develop customer and end user information.
• Propose marketing and promotional programs to fill gaps in the market.
• Develop a simple training program to teach best practices in flower care. Provide ongoing training to the S-O NA Sales Team and roll out training programs to key customers.
• Make sure communication is in line with strategic annual plans and on topic for current events such as product launches, promotions, etc.
• Provide support to the industry by teaching the importance of care and handling beyond the use of FloraLife products.
• Thoroughly understand the FloraLife product range and the key value propositions.

Increase FloraLife Sales – Current and New Customers

• Execute on the annual plan for growth.
• Work closely with FloraLife Wholesale Channel Director (Mark Allen) and the S-O NA Sales Director (Karen Oie) to develop FloraLife sales plans by strategically identified customers. Collaborate with the S-O NA Account Managers to specifically identify sales goals, growth & training opportunities, etc.
• Help develop and execute Key Account programs for both the key wholesalers and retailers, working with Mark Allen and appropriate Account Managers.
• Work with Key Account Managers to develop individualized postharvest plans for key customers operations.
• Work with Mark Allen to identify both new retail florist and new supermarket customers for FloraLife through the Wholesaler.

Product Development/Improvements

• Provide feedback to the FloraLife team from customers and report on unmet market needs to help improve our current products and/or develop new products. Work directly with Mark Allen and FloraLife research as required.
• Build new product launch plans for the North American traditional wholesale channel. This includes communication, positioning, promotion plans and timing.

Who We Are Looking For:

• An individual with a minimum of 5 years in the cut flower industry is ideal.  An individual with experience in produce/perishables is also strongly desired.
• An individual with a degree in horticulture is preferred.
• An individual with extensive knowledge of cut flowers is strongly desired.
• An individual with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• An individual who is willing to travel domestically 40-50% of the time.   Some of this time may include weekends during peak seasons.
• An individual who is able to generate suggestions for improving work.
• An individual who is comfortable giving presentations to large audiences 
• An individual who is proficient using Microsoft Office programs.

This is a remote position and may be based anywhere within the U.S.  It is ideal if the candidate resides near a major airport.  

What We Offer:

• A full-time career opportunity that provides exposure to individuals at all levels of the organization.    
• Our Company culture places a high value on integrity and trust, respect and collaboration and offers an opportunity to add value to the organization and build strong professional relationships.
• We offer a competitive salary and benefit plan options, paid-time off and an immediately vested company-matched 401k plan.

The salary range for this position is $77,000 - 90,000 and includes a 10% annual bonus potential.

What to expect during the interview process:

We thoroughly review resumes and applications once received and will contact you if you meet the job requirements.  We appreciate your time and interest in Smithers-Oasis and hope to make the screening process a positive one.  Due to the nature of this role, qualified candidates may be invited to participate in two to three virtual interviews, along with a possible in-person interview.