Sales Manager – Chocolate Gourmet Business Development

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Minnesota.

📋 Description

• Establish and nurture robust relationships with key customers and distribution partners within the Foodservice, Hospitality, Restaurant, and Bakery sectors throughout the United States.

• Propel growth for Cargill’s Gourmet portfolio, encompassing cocoa and chocolate products, confectionery ingredients, and sugar decorations.

• Discover new business prospects, expand existing accounts, evaluate customer requirements, and provide customized product solutions.

• Develop a strong pipeline of business opportunities through direct customer interaction, assisting in identifying, cultivating, and usually finalizing new sales.

• Generate demand via product marketing strategies, new product introductions, advertising initiatives, sales promotions, and brand development efforts.

• Track customer and competitor activities, industry trends, market opportunities, and performance metrics.

• Engage in status and strategy discussions with senior management of customers.

• Implement sales strategies to safeguard, enhance, and diversify targeted customer relationships.

• Identify target segments, prospective partners, and new geographical market opportunities.

• Introduce brands through distributor networks, leveraging supply chain capabilities and technical support.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, R&D, Operations, and Sales teams.

• Independently resolve complex issues with minimal oversight, escalating only the most intricate matters.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, a related field, or equivalent experience.

• At least four years of experience in food industry sales, business development, account management, or relevant professional culinary and pastry roles.

• Willingness and capability to travel up to 60% of the time, including overnight stays.

• Background in the Foodservice, Hotels, Restaurants, Bakery, and Casinos distribution sectors.

• Familiarity with chocolate and pastry applications, including bakery, confectionery, or dessert-related products and solutions.

• Technical and commercial acumen along with customer engagement and sales negotiation experience.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including medical and/or other benefits depending on the position offered and hours worked.

• Discretionary incentive award based on both company and individual performance.