Sales Manager - Blending

Schedule:

• Days, subject to change according to business needs
• Exciting travel opportunities, with up to 50% travel and occasional periods of up to 75%.

BENEFITS

• We are delighted to offer a comprehensive benefits package that encompasses Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Supplemental Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Personal Time Off (PTO), and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Eligibility and waiting periods may apply.

POSITION SUMMARY:

As the Sales Manager for blending, you will be instrumental in shaping the sales strategy for our dynamic blending ingredients division, which includes pre-blends for B2B customers, Dry Ice Cream Mix, innovative product development, and blended ingredients for the IMP ice cream facility. You will receive full support from both the Vice President of Sales and Marketing and the Director of Sales. This role offers a wonderful opportunity to build lasting relationships with our valued customers while proactively seeking new business opportunities. You will serve as the primary commercial liaison in the assigned markets, and your efforts will have a global impact.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Your mission for this role will be to gain invaluable insights to foster exceptional customer loyalty, elevate product positioning, and drive both new sales and pricing enhancements. You will provide inspiring leadership to achieve optimal profitability and growth, aligned with the company’s vision and core values. You will develop innovative strategies and tactical plans to enhance profitability by customer segment and expand our customer base within designated market areas.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive sales performance and cultivate assigned accounts
• Develop and implement effective plans to identify sales leads and prospects for our existing products
• Analyze customer performance and manage accounts within the assigned market segments effectively
• Prepare actionable customer development plans and impactful sales leads search strategies.  
• Collaborate on the development and implementation of marketing plans as needed.  
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with customers, industry professionals, and colleagues.
• Keep meticulous records of interactions, prices, and sales within the customer relationship management system.  
• Prepare and deliver compelling proposals and presentations to customers
• Monitor customer preferences to refine sales strategies
• Maintain close communication within the industry to stay updated on competitive activity, pricing, and market trends
• Represent our company and promote products enthusiastically at conferences and trade shows
• Manage expenses prudently to stay within budget guidelines
• Uphold all company policies, procedures, and business ethics with integrity
• Take on additional duties and projects assigned, contributing to a collaborative work environment

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: 

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Food Technology, Food Science,  Business or another related field

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years in food ingredient sales, with a preference for dairy ingredient experience
• **Preferred:** Proven experience in promoting products and influencing others, as well as in delivering technical presentations

Knowledge and Skills:

• A distinguished ability to drive sales performance, effectively present samples and concepts, and meet demanding timelines
• In-depth understanding of the dairy and food industry market dynamics and requirements
• A personable demeanor, adept at fostering strong relationships with customers and colleagues 
• Highly effective at time management, organization, planning, and prioritization of tasks
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a remarkable ability to interpret and meet customer needs while collaborating with colleagues across functional disciplines
• A motivated self-starter with a positive outlook, capable of working independently while achieving excellent results
• A creative and strategic thinker, making significant contributions to the company's short and long term strategies
• An effective decision maker and problem solver, with the analytical skills to evaluate information and choose solutions that best serve both suppliers and customers
• Eager to learn, ambitious, and possess strong computer literacy and quantitative abilities to manage data and communicate effectively

Working Conditions:

• Must possess a valid state driver’s license, proof of liability insurance and maintain an acceptable Department of Motor Vehicle record, in accordance with company insurance requirements
• Required travel of 50% with occasional periods up to 75%

If you’re excited about this opportunity, we invite you to apply by visiting our website at www.idahomilkproducts.com and clicking the "JOIN OUR TEAM" link in the top right-hand corner.