Develop strategic account plans to create long-term value for customers.
Establish strategic relationships with key accounts to sell products, services, and alternative solutions to create competitive advantage for the customer.
Develop strong multi-level relationships between Ingredion and our important customers to drive growth and effectively address challenges that may arise.
Work with management to develop a business plan, demand forecast, and sales strategy.
Utilize technical understanding of food ingredients to introduce value selling or value price concepts.
Work with Technical Service, Marketing, Growth Platforms, and other key stakeholders to develop and close new opportunities.
Conduct market analysis of customers, understanding market trends and competitive pricing.
Advise and work with customers to create innovative solutions.
Create solutions based on implicit customer needs.
Create and conduct proposal and manage RFP’s. Lead contract negotiations with customers and manage the development, accuracy and delivery of those contracts.
Manage budget and control expenses for sales territory.
Maintain accurate records of all sales activity, including customer call reports, territory sales analysis, quarterly updates, and salesforce.com data, etc.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Food Science, Chemical Engineering) or business. MBA a plus.
5+ years of direct sales or technical sales experience, preferably in the food and beverage industry.
Proven track record managing and penetrating complex accounts at multiple touch points and delivering results.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to prepare and deliver technical and business presentations.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Knowledgeable in financial dealings with customer accounts and proven negotiation skills.
Ability to engage in functional problem-solving conversations with customers and internal stakeholders.
Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), salesforce.com or other CRM experience preferred.