Food Ingredient Sales Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Create and implement a strategic sales plan that aligns with channel strategy to meet revenue objectives and enhance market share in the B2B sector across various categories: Baking, Beverage, Confection, Dairy/Alt Dairy, Nutraceutical, Snacks, Spreads & Sauces.

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities through market research, networking, and lead generation efforts.

• Establish and nurture strong relationships with key customers, delivering exceptional customer service and proactively addressing their needs.

• Work collaboratively with internal teams, such as inside sales, marketing, applications, innovation, planning, and customer support, to ensure alignment and optimize the customer experience.

• Conduct budget and forecast reporting.

• Analyze and report on market trends and competitor activities to uncover opportunities and risks, while adapting sales strategies accordingly.

• Prepare and present engaging presentations and proposals to clients, showcasing the value of our products and services.

• Negotiate contracts and agreements, securing favorable terms for both the company and customers.

• Monitor and report on sales activities within CRM to maintain an accurate sales pipeline.

• Provide monthly updates and insights to management regarding key customers and opportunities.

• Participate in regional and national tradeshows as prioritized by leadership.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or a business-related discipline.

• A minimum of 5-10 years of outside sales experience in selling flavors, extracts, or other value-added ingredients within the industrial manufacturing segment of the food industry.

• Proven success in selling solutions to manufacturers in the following categories: Baking, Beverage, Confection, Dairy/Alt Dairy, Frozen, Snacks, Sauces & Spreads.

• Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed sales targets and foster strong customer relationships.

• Strong customer-centric approach with outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation capabilities.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently as well as collaboratively within a team, with a solutions-oriented mindset.

• Proven ability to effectively prospect and convert new business opportunities.

• Capacity to collaborate with internal teams to achieve common goals and deliver exceptional outcomes.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adjust to fluctuating market conditions.

• Willingness to travel within the region (25-40%).

• Reside near a major airport hub.

• Experience with CRM systems, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Canva.

🏝️ Benefits

• Monthly Auto Allowance.

• 401k Plan with up to 4% company matching.

• Health insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Life insurance.

• Health Reimbursement Arrangement or Health Savings Account.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter expenses.

• Paid Holidays.

• Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Tuition Reimbursement.

• Paid Parental Leave.

• Bereavement leave.

• Short Term Disability.

• Weekly paychecks.

• Rewards & Recognition Programs.

• Employee Referral Program.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

• Annual Bonus Program.