Customer Development Manager - Greater LA area
Full time
Position function: Reporting to the Commercial Director, the individual will be responsible for leading all aspects of the Sales process for key accounts in Southern California/Greater LA area
Scope: The sales representative is responsible for promoting the company’s products as a sales professional to all assigned existing and prospective accounts. The person will develop and maintain productive working relationships with customers that allow sales and marketing goals to be achieved, with a focus on Nutrition, Savory and Bakery ingredients. The individual will conduct sales calls to seek the placement of strategic products in high volume areas & ensure customers are satisfied with products and services. The individual will make recommendations to management regarding product development, pricing, and sales projections.
MAJOR TASKS AND DUTIES:
Assume responsibility for the effective performance of Sales and Marketing functions.
- Develop a strategy and sales approach to align with the company’s strategy, products and capabilities with potential customers within the Industry
- Create and deliver sales presentations to prospective customers – aligning the company’s offerings to their needs with both manufactured and distributed product offerings
- Prospect for new accounts utilizing media, networking, and cold calls to grow the existing business.
- Attend training, when required and available
- Meet and exceed established quotas and sales goals
- Ensure that sales accounts are serviced in accordance with company standards and policies
- Forecast long range account sales (sales, volume, margin) and product needs, and communicate related information regularly to management
- Work with procurement & commercial director to calculate product costs and set pricing for products
- Provide technical support to customers using the various tools and resources provided
Assume responsibility for establishing and maintaining good business relations with customers and external trade contacts
- Ensure that customers are satisfied with products and services
- Obtain customer feedback and continually work to improve products and services
- Complete and resolve customer requests, complaints, and inquiries
- Promote products and services at trade shows and organize display material
Assume responsibility for maintaining effective working relations, communication, and coordination with Company personnel and with management
- Set sales goals in accordance with Company objectives and track progress towards set goals
- Provide assistance to support personnel as needed
- Keep management informed of area activities, changes in competitive conditions, and significant issues
- Complete required reports and records accurately and promptly
- Spend required time in company offices in order to gain product knowledge and build relationships within the company
- Attend meetings as required
About you
- College degree in Business, Food Science or equivalency
- Experience within the Food Industry , with specific experience in bakery or nutrition
- 5-10 years of ingredient sales experience required with a preference for functional and technical ingredients preferred
- Outstanding follow-up skills, including: samples, quotes, technical data packages, presentations, etc.
- Ability to ask great questions to identify needs of our customers and link them to value added, innovative solutions
- Strong communication skills, both external and internal
- Understanding of Company product positioning and competitive conditions
- Sales and marketing proficiency
- Strong interpersonal and public relations skills
- A strong track record of success (profitable sales growth)
- Good leadership skills
- Well organized with strong time management abilities
- Takes the initiative, can work with little supervision
- Good computer skills in windows environment (power point, excel, word, outlook, etc.) including the ability to present and engage virtually
- High Growth mindset- both in personal and business
Our offer
Competitive Compensation Package including Paid time off, benefits, car allowance, and IRA contribution program.