Director of Japan Sales

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting role as Director of Japan Sales in our Merriam, KS office. The Director of Japan Sales is responsible for overseeing and guidance to the Japan Sales team. The Director of Japan Sales will lead a team locally and abroad, act as a Business Manager for Japanese market and focus on leading sales goals by volume, margin, and strategic initiatives of Seaboard Foods export sales.

 

ABOUT US

At Seaboard Foods, we create the most sought-after pork. A top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30+ countries, we are committed to bringing excellence to the table, seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork and connect every step between our farms and family tables. More than 5,400 employees in five states work on our farms, feed mills, and processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh^® pork, ensuring the well-being of our animals, the environment, our employees, and the communities we call home. We are a Fortune 500 employer, recently nominated by the Business Journal as one of the “Best Places to Work”, representing our dynamic culture, where our employees can contribute and understand why they matter.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and other duties may be assigned.

 

• Sell and promote the company’s products to existing customers and targets prospects in international markets.
• Identify potential growth areas and develop new accounts within designated territory.
• Meet and exceed established sales targets in assigned territory.
• Will be involved with export document coordination.
• Assist in scheduling of export shipments in assigned territory.
• Assist with customer visits to our processing facilities.
• Assist with the development of new products and packaging specifications.
• Assist with the developing appropriate marketing material for target markets.
• Responsible for order pricing, claims processing and credit evaluation.
• Will develop a deep understanding of a packing plant and export documentation and how these aspects are centered around progressing towards sales goals.
• Travel up to 25% as needed domestically and internationally.
• Evaluate customer performance and yields to optimize sales realizations.
• Analyze market conditions for supply and demand and provide information on cash markets.
• Work with production and QA to resolve customer complaints concerning product specification issues.
• Manage freezer inventories and sales of byproducts.
• Will support the team and manage all desks when needed.
• Manage and resolve customer issues as they arise.
• Must be available after hours to answer and address calls/ emails.
• Lead and manage plant product and process specialist. (3)
• Lead and manage the overseas office and personnel Seaboard Foods of Japan.
• Manage and oversee the exclusive Japan broker network.

 

 

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN ALL ROLES: instills trust, communicates effectively, action-oriented, ensures accountability, and drives results.

 

 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years’ successful sales or product management experience in the pork industry, international trade experience required.
• Experience and knowledge of the export process, including understanding of duties, tariffs, and letters of credit and shipping documentation required.
• Basic knowledge of protein manufacturing plant operations and pork product specifications required.
• Proficient computer skills to include Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent listening, negotiating, analytical and presenting skills.
• 25% Travel Abroad Required

Preferred:

• Bilingual in Japanese is preferred

 

 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT -

The physical and work demands listed here represent those an employee should possess to successfully perform the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

• Primarily an office environment with some need to work in the field.
• The hours and days of work are established by departmental needs and at the discretion of management. After-hours, weekends, and overnight travel as requested.

 

 

 

WHY SEABOARD FOODS?

• Medical, vision & dental benefits upon hire
• 401K with company match
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Wellness Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee pork purchase program

For a complete list of our benefits please visit our career site: https://www.seaboardfoods.com/careers/why-sbf/

 

Seaboard Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans’ status, status as a disabled individual, or any other status protected by law.