Salary Range $150,000.00 - $170,000.00 Salary/year
Position Type Full Time
Travel Percentage Up to 50%
Category Executive
Director of Sales & Marketing
Director of Sales & Marketing
Location: Houston, TX
Reports to : Senior Director
Compensation Range : Insert $150,000 - $170,0000 annually (depending on experience, skills, and qualifications)
Other Compensation : Eligible for discretionary bonus
Benefits : Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Short & Long-Term Disability, 401(k)
About TGU
TGU (The Ground Up, Inc.) has carved a niche for itself in the sustainable and green waste recycling sector, with a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. We provide products to retail and wholesale markets, as well as operating as a significant support system for the Ceres emergency response division and operate out of Houston, Texas.
Driven by Purpose, Powered by People
At TGU, you're more than just an employee, you're part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in supporting sustainable practices and community resilience.
We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on innovation and teamwork. If you show up with dedication, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you'll fit right in. We don't just respond to challenges; we rise to them.
What We Are Looking For
The Director of Sales & Marketing is a strategic, visionary leader responsible for driving revenue growth, strengthening customer relationships, and elevating TGU's brand presence. This role leads the sales and marketing team for The Ground Up, develops data-driven strategies, and ensures alignment with organizational goals.
The position reports directly to the Senior Director and manages a high-performing team of sales and marketing professionals.
Success in the first 12 months includes :
Implementing strategic sales plans that drive measurable revenue growth.
Building a strong sales pipeline and achieving aggressive lead-generation targets.
Strengthening TGU's brand through effective marketing, product development, and trade show strategies.
Establishing strong relationships with key customers, partners, and national soil manufacturing companies.
Developing a high-performance culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and results.
What You Will Do
Lead, manage, and execute strategic sales plans in partnership with senior leadership.
Directly lead the sales team with decisiveness and competitiveness, fostering a culture of winning.
Develop and implement data-driven strategies to achieve annual sales and lead-generation targets.
Build departmental bench strength and attract top sales and marketing talent.
Create and execute marketing strategies for local and national tradeshows.
Develop new brands and products aligned with TGU's portfolio.
Build partnerships with national soil manufacturing companies to co-package private-label products.
Monitor market trends and adjust sales strategies to maintain competitive advantage.
Establish and manage relationships with existing and prospective customers.
Respond to challenges with speed, agility, and solution-oriented thinking.
Travel locally and nationally (25%-50%) to meet with key customers and prospects.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or related field.
Minimum of 10 years of experience with a proven record of success in a consultative sales environment.
Strong knowledge of plants, trees, soil science, and horticulture.
Demonstrated success leading high-performing sales teams.
Proven sales and marketing leadership experience in horticulture products or related solutions.
Proficiency in MS Office applications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Previous experience prospecting, presenting, negotiating, and closing sales.
Preferred Qualifications
MBA strongly preferred.
Education or experience in horticulture, agriculture, or related fields.
Sales experience in a garden center, nursery, landscape, or farming environment.
Experience using CRM systems.
Previous nursery operations management experience.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
What to Expect
In this role, you can expect a dynamic, fast-paced environment where strategic thinking and decisive action are essential. You will lead a team responsible for driving revenue, expanding market presence, and strengthening customer relationships. The work involves a blend of office-based planning, field visits, customer meetings, and trade show participation. Travel will be required 25%-50% of the time.
You will collaborate closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals, while also shaping the future of TGU's sales and marketing strategy.
Physical Requirements and Environment
The Ground Up provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law. The physical requirements listed below reflect the essential functions of this role. If you need accommodation to perform these functions, please inform us during the application process.
Essential physical requirements include:
Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Ability to work in outdoor environments, including exposure to weather, humidity, and moving mechanical parts.
Ability to safely navigate environments with moderate noise levels.
Commitment to following all safety standards and protocols.
Why Join TGU?
At TGU, you won't just have a job, you'll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the efficiency and sustainability of our operations.
We offer:
A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
The chance to make a lasting difference in sustainable practices and community support.
The Ground Up is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Work Authorization
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Ceres does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position unless stated otherwise.
E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility
