About Carbonella & DeSarbo

Carbonella & DeSarbo (C&D) is a private equity–backed fresh food distribution business, operating in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment where execution, accuracy, and operational discipline are critical. We work hard to connect our customers with the freshest, high-quality produce and specialty products available. We believe in providing our customers with the highest level of customer service, superior quality produce, at or below fair market value, 365 days a year servicing locations in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and New Jersey. We place great emphasis on maintaining the highest food safety standards and making our company a place that both our customers and employees love and trust.

Key Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced and driven Wholesale Fresh Produce Sales Manager to lead our sales efforts and grow our customer base across the Northeast United States. This role is ideal for a results-oriented professional with deep roots in the commercial fresh produce industry who thrives in a fast-paced, relationship-driven environment and has an established presence in key Northeastern markets including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and surrounding states.

• Develop and execute a wholesale sales strategy to achieve revenue and volume targets across the Northeast U.S., with a focus on major metro markets including New York City, Boston, Hartford, and surrounding regions
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional grocery chains, food service distributors, restaurant and hospitality groups, food and beverage manufacturers, university and hospital dining programs, and school programs throughout the Northeast
• Leverage knowledge of key regional distribution hubs including the Hunts Point Produce Market (Bronx, NY) and the Boston Market Terminal to support purchasing and logistics coordination
• Prospect and onboard new wholesale accounts while growing share of wallet with existing customers
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and volume commitments in alignment with company margin goals
• Monitor regional market conditions, commodity pricing, and competitor activity to inform sales decisions and respond to changing supply dynamics
• Collaborate closely with procurement, operations, and logistics teams to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment across a dense, multi-state territory
• Provide weekly and monthly sales forecasts, pipeline reports, and account performance updates to senior leadership
• Resolve customer issues related to product quality, delivery, or billing promptly and professionally
• Represent the company at regional trade shows and industry events such as New England Produce Council events and Mid-Atlantic food industry conferences

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of sales experience in the fresh produce, perishable foods, or food distribution industry
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding wholesale sales targets
• Strong knowledge of fresh produce commodities, seasonality, and supply chain dynamics
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities in a time-sensitive environment
• Proficiency with CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred

• Established network of wholesale buyers, food service operators, contract group managers or food and beverage manufacturers in the Northeast U.S.
• Existing relationships with buyers at Hunts Point, New England Produce Center, or other regional terminal markets
• Experience managing or mentoring a sales team
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Agriculture, Food Science, or a related field
• Familiarity with USDA grading standards and food safety regulations (e.g., FSMA)
• Knowledge of regional seasonal demand patterns and Northeast-specific fresh produce varieties

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Frequent sitting, standing and walking
• Occasionally required to climb, bend, kneel or lift up to 50 lbs.
• Potential exposure to outside elements and inclement weather conditions
• 24/7 Operations, flexible work schedule to include nights and weekends as needed

This position involves both office-based work and regular travel throughout the Northeast U.S., including visits to customer sites, terminal markets, and distribution centers across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and neighboring states. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required. Early morning availability is expected given the nature of fresh produce market hours, and occasional overnight travel may be necessary for regional accounts.

Carbonella & DeSarbo, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Produce One and its affiliated companies do not sponsor employment-based visas or other employment authorization programs. Applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship as a condition of employment.