Vidalia, GA – The Vidalia® Onion Committee (VOC) is seeking a qualified individual who is sweet on Georgia’s official state vegetable to fill the open marketing order manager position.
Based out of Vidalia, Ga., the marketing order manager is responsible for developing, implementing and supporting marketing and promotional efforts of the VOC through effective, results-focused marketing and promotional activities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide the necessary management and direction of the VOC office
- Adherence to the rules and regulations of the Federal Marketing Order for Vidalia onions grown in Georgia
- Work with the VOC to develop, implement and manage the marketing plan
- Make marketing calls to key contacts in the foodservice and retail industry
- Work closely with the Vidalia onion shippers to build strong communication and to keep industry informed of marketing and promotional efforts
- Prepare for and attend trade shows and industry events and advise on additional trade shows where VOC participation or sponsorship is appropriate
- Coordinate the production of marketing and promotional materials including – advertising, promotional items, point-of-purchase materials and educational demographics
- Additional duties as assigned by the VOC and USDA
Qualified Applicants Must Have:
- Minimum two years of experience in marketing and promotion or corresponding college course work , preferences will be given to those applicants with experience in agriculture, produce, retail and/or foodservice industry
- Experience in category management and development
- Ability to handle multiple tasks
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Accuracy, organization and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently as well as in group settings
- Strong written, verbal and presentation skills
- Effective time management skills
- Strong computer skills including PowerPoint, Excel and Word
Conditions of Employment:
- Valid driver’s license with a good driving record or ability to provide a reliable method of transportation
- Minimum of 40 hours a week on a five day basis
- Occasional evening and weekend work
- Some domestic air travel
- Ability to lift items/boxes weighing an average of 40 pounds
Annual salary commensurate with experience and education. A comprehensive benefits package offering medical and life insurance, vacation, sick leave, holidays and retirement plan is also included.
To apply, please submit a one page cover letter, current resume, one page essay briefly describing relevant marketing and promotional experience and a list of three professional references. Send application materials to ATTN: Selection Committee, PO Box 1609 (mailing address), 100 Vidalia Sweet Onion Drive (for special delivery), Vidalia, GA 30475. Fax or e-mail applications are not accepted. Application materials must be received by 5 p.m. EST on Thursday, August 15, 2013.
About Vidalia® Onions
Vidalia® onions are the pioneer of sweet onions and Georgia’s official state vegetable. Grown only in the mild climate and unique soil surrounding Vidalia, Ga., they’re loved by chefs and home cooks throughout the world. Vidalia® onions are hand planted and hand harvested each year, with sweet, juicy bulbs available seasonally from late April to late August. Vidalia® onions, with their mild, sweet taste, are versatile and can be used in a variety of amazing recipes. These Georgia sweeties are also a low-fat, low-cholesterol and sodium-free way to get a healthy dose of Vitamin C! For more information, visit VidaliaOnion.org.
About the Vidalia® Onion Committee
Because Vidalia® onions are sweetly unique, farmers were forced to unite and seek legal protection of their crop and its name. Federal Marketing Order No. 955 was established in 1989 to stipulate how and where the crop can be grown and sold. The Vidalia® Onion Committee administers FMO No. 955 and authorizes production research, marketing research and development, and marketing promotion programs. This federal protection reinforces Georgia state laws and the Vidalia® trademark. So, you can try to grow a sweet onion elsewhere, but you cannot call it a “Vidalia!” For more information, visit VidaliaOnion.org.
Source: Vidalia® Onion Committee
