Food Ingredient Sales Manager

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

📋 Description

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

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

• Establish and nurture robust relationships with key clients, delivering outstanding customer service and proactively addressing their needs.

• Collaborate with internal departments, including inside sales, marketing, applications, innovation, planning, and customer support to ensure cohesive efforts and enhance the customer experience.

• Responsible for budget management and forecast reporting.

• Analyze and report on market trends and competitor activities to uncover opportunities and risks, adjusting sales strategies as necessary.

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

• Negotiate contracts and agreements, securing advantageous terms for both the organization and the client.

• Monitor and document sales activities within the CRM to maintain an accurate sales pipeline.

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

• Participate in regional and national trade shows as determined by leadership priorities.

⛳️ Requirements

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

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

• Proven success in selling solutions to manufacturers in categories such as Baking, Beverage, Confection, Dairy/Alt Dairy, Frozen, Snacks, Sauces, and Spreads.

• Demonstrated history of meeting or surpassing sales goals and fostering strong customer relationships.

• Customer-centric approach with exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.

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

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

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams to achieve shared objectives and deliver outstanding results.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions.

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

• Proximity to a major airport hub is preferred.

• Familiarity with CRM systems, as well as proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Canva.

🏝️ Benefits

• Monthly Auto Allowance.

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

• Health insurance coverage.

• Dental insurance coverage.

• Vision insurance coverage.

• Life insurance policy.

• Health Reimbursement Arrangement or Health Savings Account available.

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

• Paid Holidays.

• Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Tuition Reimbursement program.

• Paid Parental Leave.

• Bereavement leave.

• Short Term Disability coverage.

• Weekly paychecks.

• Rewards & Recognition Programs.

• Employee Referral Program.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

• Annual Bonus Program.