CAIF is looking for an innovative and experienced Sales Account Manager based in Columbia, SC to join our growing team!
In this role, you will develop, implement & execute a sales plan that will support our business development strategies to grow opportunities with both existing customers and new prospects within the Botanical Extracts and Flavors division.
SKILL SETS FOR POSITION:
Entrepreneurial; Curious and Open-minded people-first with collaborating and sharing ideas; A Savvy Networker for professional relationships with people in the same industry or markets in which we operate; Agile and Innovation-driven of exploring new markets and testing creative sales approaches in the Food and Beverages, Health, Wellness and Fitness industries; and Results and Data-oriented motivated by efficiency, results and informed by data that you will know how to identify problems, and create informed comprehensive strategies to make progress and get results.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF POSITION:
- Cultivate key account relationships, driving revenue and profit growth to deliver strong, sustainable financial results in competitive markets.
- Leverage your commercial skills to anticipate, translate and champion customer needs into real ingredient solutions, interacting with all levels of the client
- Proactively identify opportunities within the assigned territory to promote our capabilities and portfolio with existing and new accounts, aiming for new business wins.
- Collaborate and communicate with CAIF´s internal partners to ensure seamless delivery of the best solutions for our customers, complete with exceptional service in all stages of the selling process.
- Develop account plans and sales strategies that incorporate the North American sales initiatives.
- Prepare and present sales budgets, conduct forecasts, and control expenses in alignment with budgets.
- Negotiate customer contracts and participate in defining product pricing strategy (adjusted to changing market needs).
- Maintain extensive business knowledge to stay on top of competitive industry activities, pricing, and new business opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Availability to travel throughout the assigned U.S. sales territory, up to 15-20% (including overnight).
- Knowledge of the Botanical extracts, Fruit & Vegetable powders and Flavors product categories and an ability to market to food, beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical supplement, and pet food/animal nutrition manufacturers.
- Excellent verbal and written communicator with compelling presentation skills.
- Ample confidence in consultative selling, upselling, cross-selling, and work delivery oversight.
- Interpersonal savviness with the ability to promote cooperation and effectiveness within a cross-functional team, interact effectively with all levels of internal and external personnel, including executives, administrators, staff, independent contractors, and vendors from a variety of ethnic, social, and educational backgrounds.
- Proven competency in managing multiple projects and complex activities simultaneously.
- Confirmed negotiation skills and strong organizational plus time management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build, leverage and maintain strong customer relationships to generate sales & profitability.
- Initiative-taking, dependable, organized, detail-oriented, work ethic and integrity.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study: Business, Food Science or Chemistry, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
- 3-5 years of sales experience in the Natural Ingredients/Flavors, Food & Beverage, or Supplements industry.
- Demonstrated and measurable success in the following areas of account management, strategic account development, sales potential identification, and forecasting.
- Strong self-learning ability to quickly learn and familiarize yourself with our product lines and their associated health benefits.
- Consistent track record of managing and penetrating complex accounts while delivering high ticket results. Preferably processors/manufacturers within the selected industry.
- Knowledge of various software, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office, GSuite, Salesforce, ThomasNet, SAP.
PREFERRED:
- Ability to speak Portuguese or Spanish is a plus but not required.
- Knowledge of the Botanical extracts, Fruit & Vegetable powders, and Flavors product categories.
ABOUT CAIF:
CAIF is the gateway to Latin American ingredients, striving to promote a better life. We offer innovative state-of-the-art solutions in sourcing, production, and distribution of natural ingredients for the food & beverage, dietary supplement, and pharmaceutical industries. Our portfolio covers an array of selected botanical extracts, fibers, colors, flavors, fruits and vegetables in powder and flake forms. CAIF’s deep understanding of the market, acquired throughout years of experience servicing both customers and partner manufacturers, enables us to offer the best product fit for each of our customer’s needs.
CAIF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person based on race, color, ethnicity, genetic information, national origin, religion, gender, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, disability, or age in its programs and activities.